Wednesday, March 17, 2004

NATIONAL HUNT FESTIVAL 2004
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
SECOND DAY, CHELTENHAM, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17

“A record Wednesday crowd has enjoyed another exceptional day’s racing and we can now look forward to a fantastic climax to the Festival tomorrow,” said managing director Edward Gillespie.

RECORD FOR THE TOTE

Today’s totepool turnover was £3,609,351,which represents an increase of 16% on last year’s £3,097,351 and is also a record for the second day of the National Hunt Festival.

“This gives us every chance of cracking the £10million barrier tomorrow,” said totesport spokesman Andy Clifton.

O’CONNOR CONCUSSED

The stewards enquired into the falls of Blazing Liss and Granny Kelly’s Tart in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper. They deemed that Balzing Liss clipped the heels of The Thunderer and it was deemed to be accidental. Granny Kelly’s Tart was found to have cocked his jaw and run out.

Derek O’Connor, rider of Blazing Liss, was concussed and taken to Cheltenham General Hospital for observation. He has been stood down for six days. David Casey, rider of Granny Kelly’s Tart, was uninjured.

DAILY TELEGRAPH AWARD FOR LEADING TRAINER AFTER DAY TWO

Trainer 1st 2nd 3rd
Martin Pipe 2 2 2
Jonjo O’Neill 2 1 3
Philip Hobbs 1 2 1
Nigel Twiston-Davies 1 1 -
Paul Nicholls 1 - 3
Tommy Cooper IRE 1 - -
Dessie Hughes IRE 1 - -
Alan King 1 - -
Gary Moore 1 - -
Willie Mullins IRE 1 - -
Colm Murphy IRE 1 - -
Francis Flood IRE - 1 -
Howard Johnson - 1 -
Charlie Mann - 1 -
Mouse Morris IRE - 1 -
Richard Price - 1 -
Sue Smith - 1 -
Tom Taaffe IRE - 1 -
Nicky Henderson - - 2
Albert Ennis - - 1
David Wachman IRE - - 1

In the event of a tie, prize money will be taken into account


DAILY TELEGRAPH AWARD FOR LEADING JOCKEY AFTER DAY TWO

Trainer 1st 2nd 3rd
Timmy Murphy 2 - -
Richard Johnson 1 2 1
Tony McCoy 1 1 2
Carl Llewellyn 1 1 -
Conor O’Dwyer 1 1 -
Ruby Walsh 1 - 2
David Casey 1 - -
Barry Cash 1 - -
Jim Culloty 1 - -
Mr Darren Edwards 1 - -
Robert Thornton 1 - -
Mr Robert Widger 1 - -
Barry Geraghty - 2 -
Mr Paul Cashman - 1 -
Dominic Elsworth - 1 -
Mr Ashley Farrant - 1 -
Fran Flood - 1 -
Wayne Hutchinson - 1 -
Graham Lee - 1 -
Mr J P Magnier - - 2
Liam Cooper - - 1
Mick Fitzgerald - - 1
Mr Tom Greenall - - 1
Mr J T McNamara - - 1
Andrew Tinkler - - 1
Joe Tizzard - - 1

Ruby Walsh, rider of Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Azertyuiop, received the Guinness/Daily Telegraph Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Festival on Tuesday

LATEST PADDY POWER BETTING

5/2 Timmy Murphy
11/4 Jim Culloty
4/1 Tony McCoy
4/1 Richard Johnson
5/1 Ruby Walsh
16/1 Thierry Doumen
20/1 David Casey, Mick Fitzgerald, Robert Thornton
25/1 BAR


WINNING QUOTES RACE ONE
ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES’ HURDLE

FURTHER CAUSE FOR CELEBRATIONS

Jolly evenings in the local pub can lead to all sorts of conclusions, but not many will equal that enjoyed by Fizz Griffin and Killy Pennell, the two ladies who make up the Gripen partnership whose first horse in training is Fundamentalist, winner of the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle on only his third start for them over timber.

About eight weeks ago the owners and their husbands were at the Hollow Bottom pub at Guiting Power, a few miles from Cheltenham, which belongs to Fundamentalist’s trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies. The evening went well, so well that by the end of it the two ladies, with a degree of husbandly support, had become owners for the first time.

It was only a few weeks before that when Twiston-Davies had a telephone call from agent Michael Stroud saying that he had just found “the nicest horse I have seen all season.” This was Fundamentalist, so the trainer did that deal and a few weeks later he did the next one.

Fundamentalist has now won twice and been second once in three starts over hurdles, and the trainer at least is looking forward some more action pretty soon.

“We shall certainly look at Liverpool and I am sure there will be some races at Punchestown for him,” said the trainer, whose fortunes have taken a real upward swing this season after a couple of somewhat lean years.

“His jumping is not always of the best because, having won three point-to-points in Ireland he has no respect for the smaller obstacles, and it was certainly a bit worrying when he ran down the last and hit it pretty hard, though I think he was probably keeping a bit for himself,” Twiston-Davies added.

“I would think that he would go over fences next season, but if he doesn’t we could always come back over hurdles and look at the Stayers’,” the trainer went on. With chasing in mind, Cashmans offer 16-1 about the winer for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase 12 months time.

This was a seventh Festival success for Carl Llewellyn -- “it’s taken me 42 years to do it !” -- he said, adding that Fundamentalist was “on and off the bridle in snatches but really came back on it at the second last.”

That was where he took up the running from long time leader Grey Report, and though hot favourite Inglis Drever challenged bravely up the hill, Fundamentalist held on well to win by half a length.

FIRST RACE PLACED QUOTES
ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES’ HURDLE

WYLIE NOT DISAPPOINTED WITH SECOND

Inglis Drever, who was sent off 7/4 favourite for the opening Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle, failed by half a length to catch the impressive winner Fundamentalist, a performance with which owner Graham Wylie was delighted.

“I’m not disappointed at all, he ran very well,” said Wylie, who bought the five-year-old for 110,000gns at Tattersalls in October.

“I’m delighted to have a second on my first visit to the Festival and he was in touching distance but just didn’t have enough juice. Dalaram was meant to be running tomorrow (in the JCB Triumph Hurdle) but got ballotted out so I will be going to Hexham to watch Albany.”

Howard Johnson, Inglis Drever’s trainer, added: “He got outpaced and a bit softer ground would have suited him. He pulled an off-fore shoe off and that would not have helped but still with another 100 yards he might just have got there.

“The main thing is that he’s come back safely and maybe he won’t run again this season. I’ll have a chat to Graham in a fortnight and he’ll need three weeks to get over this as he had a hard race today.”

Grey Report, who led until two out, battled on to finish third and bloodstock agent David Minton, who bought the seven-year-old for 20,000gns on behalf of owner Anne La Trobe at Doncaster in August, was thrilled with the run.

“Richard (Johnson) said he is such a tough horse and he has run a hell of a race,” said Minton. “He had a hard race here but could go for the three-miler at Aintree and possibility on to Punchestown as well.”

Anne La Trobe added: “He ran a great race and we didn’t expect anything like that. Richard gave him a breather at the top of the hill and he loves it out in front.”

Barry Geraghty, rider of Very Optimistic, reported: “He had every chance but just needed easier ground.”

Willie Mullins, trainer of Sadler’s Wings, said: “I’m disappointed. The horse ran in snatches and got a bit wound up before the start and didn’t fire on the day.”


RACE ONE ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES’ HURDLE

GROUND

After today’s opening contest, the following jockeys described the ground as:

Rodi Greene, rider of Fontanesi, said: “Better than yesterday, nearly good ground, a lot drier.”

Antony Evans, rider of Champagne Harry, said: “Good ground, a bit easier in places but fine.”

Leighton Aspell, rider of Big Moment, said: “Good ground again.”

Paul Flynn, rider of Ross River, said: “It’s good ground, quicker than yesterday but still on the slow side of good.”

Jim Culloty, rider of Yardbird, said: “Still a bit dead in the odd patch.”

Ruby Walsh, rider of Sadlers Wings, said: “Dead.”

Noel Fehily, rider of Ammonias, said: “Good ground.”

Tony Dobbin, rider of King Solomon, said: “Still a little on the slow side - better than yesterday.”

Sam Thomas, rider of Tighten Your Belt, said: “Still fairly quick - there are patches where it is dead and fast in places. I always felt that my horse was a bit outpaced.”


SECOND RACE WIN QUOTES
ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE CHANCE

25/1 RULE IS SUPREME IN ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE CHASE

Willie Mullins’ 25/1 chance Rule Supreme ran out a surprise winner of the Royal & SunAlliance Chase to score by a length and a quarter from Royal Emperor.

“He’s a got a tremendous engine but is a scrappy jumper,” admitted Mullins, who trains the eight-year-old for Carlow farmer John Fallon, his son Tom, and their friend, Navan businessman John Lynch.

“David (Casey) schooled the horse at home and knows him well. I entered him in the Gold Cup because he has such an engine and everyone kept saying he should go for the four-miler so I entered him in that as well. But I reckoned if he was not good enough to win this race he would not win that either as there are far more fences to fall at.

“Some horses can jump out of jail but this fellow can’t and I don’t think you’d ever straighten out his jumping. He’s a better horse than Mossy Green but that one is a better jumper.

“He’s probably not a National horse because he’s not got a lot of scope so I’ll keep him for Punchestown. He’ll probably then go for the French Champion Hurdle in June.”

Jockey David Casey added: “He’s a very good horse but is just not a natural over fences. I let him get into a rhythm and find himself early. The ability was always there, he just has his own method. He prefers grood ground as he doesn’t travel as well if it is tacky. This is my second Festival winner and it’s just great to win any race here.”

RACE TWO ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE CHASE
PLACED QUOTES

RUNNER-UP AGAIN

Sue Smith had the agony of watching Royal Emperor finish second again at the National Hunt Festival as he was one and a quarter lengths adrift of Rule Supreme - the Roselier gelding was runner-up in last year’s Pertemps Final.

She said: “We can’t ask for any more can we? We could have done with a bit more cut in the ground emphasising stamina more than speed as he was flat to the boards the whole way but he’s a very good horse and he has run his heart out here twice - I’m delighted. He will be back here next year.

“Dominic [Elsworth, jockey] dropped his whip [just before the second last] but the horse keeps coming and it made no difference that far out.

“Dominic is gutted as these jockeys are very competitive lads and he lives with us.“

Favourite Our Vic was a further two lengths adrift in third.

Martin Pipe said: “He’s run a good race on only his third run over fences. He hasn’t been beaten far and favourites don’t always win.”

Our Vic’s owner David Johnson added: “It’s back to the drawing board and there are no excuses.”


OTHER QUOTES RACE TWO
ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE CHASE

“I WOULD NOT HAVE WON”

This has not been much of a meeting so far for Ruby Walsh, and things did not get any better in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase in which he and Mossy Green made a lot of the running and were still in front when they fell at the second last.

“It’s about time my luck changed,” said Walsh, “but I don’t think he would have won.”

Mick Fitzgerald reported that Calling Brave “was travelling OK” when horse and rider parted company four from home. “He just stood too far off,” he said. His trainer Nicky Henderson agreed that the horse “was not beaten at the time, and though he has got a big cut he is OK.”

Barry Geraghty said that Pizarro “was staying on and going to be placed” when they were brought down in Mossy Green’s fall.

RIGMAROLE UPDATE

Paul Nicholls reported that Rigmarole, who was very disappointing in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle yesterday, was lame when he returned home to his Somerset base.

This obviously accounts for yesterday’s flop and means that the horse will not run in the Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle, which closes the meeting tomorrow evening.

RACE THREE QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE
WIN QUOTES

AZERTYUIOP DOMINANT

Paul Nicholls won his second Queen Mother Champion Chase this afternoon when Azertyuiop proved nine lengths too powerful for Flagship Uberalles. The odds-on favourite Moscow Flyer unseated Barry Geraghty four fences from home.

Nicholls’ previous win came with Call Equiname in 1999.

The trainer said: “It’s a shame about Moscow Flyer - we’ll never know. As long as he’s alright and Barry is alright there will be another day for them to meet again.

“Ruby [Walsh, jockey] did a brilliant job at the ditch there and thanks to Anthony Bromley for buying him. Ruby always thought that he’s a very, very good horse.

“He’s a great horse - this race was always the aim despite Sandown [when beaten four lengths by Moscow Flyer] and today was the day. March is what the season is all about.

“He was nowhere near his best at Sandown and then he went to Ascot where he ran well with a big weight and then won at Newbury. He’s an improving young horse and to win any race here is fantastic.

“Racing is about ups and downs - we thought that we would win the Arkle yesterday with Thisthatandtother. But you have to live with it day by day - that’s racing, you get home and tomorrow is another day. One day is good, one day is bad and these days make up for it.

“They didn’t all run bad yesterday - Le Duc was third and so was Royal Auclair. Rigmarole was not quite right and he’s lame today. He’s a bit sore and stiff and he knocked his off fore. He didn’t act on the ground.

“Thisthatandtother will be okay and he’ll go to Aintree.

“I didn’t really have any worries coming into the race as he was fit and well and ready to do the job right. I felt that he’s take a lot of beating as I had him so well .

“This is the best he’s looked and I hope that he will be hard to beat next year. He is potentially probably the best two-miler we’ve had and he’s sounder and easier to train than Flagship ever was.

“Venn Ottery ran a great race as well - it will be interesting to see what Timmy [Murphy, jockey] says about whether he choked or not.

“He is a horse with a lot of talent and if I can sort his breathing out and he progresses he won’t be far behind Azertyuiop next year.

“If I can keep Oliver [Carter, owner] under control, Venn Ottery will be alright. If he lets us get on with the job properly we’ll be OK.”

Totesport and Paddy Power make Azertyuiop a 9/4 chance for next year’s Queen Mother Champion Chase, while William Hill go 2/1. Moscow Flyer is 5/2 with William Hill and Paddy Power, while 9/4 with totesport.

THIRD RACE PRESS CONFERENEC QUOTES
QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE

HALES DELIGHTED WITH SECOND QUEEN MOTHER WIN

Shropshire-based owner John Hales, whose One Man landed the 1998 Queen Mother Champion Chase, relished another victory in the two-mile showpiece via Azertyuiop.

“I feel so lucky to have found another horse to win the Champion Chase,” said Hales. “I don’t like comparing them because One Man was unique. He won over 3m 2f in the Hennessy Gold Cup so we thought he was a Gold Cup horse but he still won the King George in the fastest time ever. I don’t think there has been a better three-mile chaser for many years.

“But even in France Azertyuiop was quite an amazing horse. He was unbeaten on the Flat and over hurdles there but we bought him as a chaser. We were only playing when we ran him over hurdles, he maybe could have finished fourth or fifth in the Champion Hurdle but it all really started when he began over fences at Market Rasen. When I bought him, Guillaume Macaire said to me that I had a great three-mile chaser.

“It’s all just been down to lady luck this season. First time out, he unseated then in the Tingle Creek I’m sure Paul would be the first to admit that Moscow Flyer was 110 per cent and perhaps we weren’t. I’m truly sorry Moscow Flyer fell today because I would have loved to have beaten him fair and square.

“Paul doesn’t want to run (in the Haldon Gold Cup) at Exeter before the Tingle Creek next season but I’m not sure because I think he needs a prep race.

“I’ve said that at seven and eight we’d go for the Champion Chase but at nine I’d like to start off in the Peterborough Chase and then the King George, after all a two-mile chaser won it this season

“My family are saying to me that he’s done it now and what more do I want. All the horses come home to me at the end of the season where they have 150 acres to live with the showjumpers,” added Hales, shortly before getting a congratulatory telephone call from former international showjumper David Broome.

“I’ll always remember the late Gordon Richards saying to me with One Man that we only needed to turn up at Aintree to win another £80,000 and we got greedy and lost the horse. I don’t want to be greedy again but might think about going for the Championship Chase at Sandown in April if Paul needs help with winning the trainers’ championship.

“Ruby is a magnificent horseman, he’s ideal because the horse takes a hold and needs settling.”

Trainer Paul Nicholls added: “Moscow Flyer didn’t get round and we’ll never know but we were always confident that we had a much better horse than at Sandown. He was 12 kilos heavier at Sandown and that says it all.

“The Ascot race (the Victor Chandler Chase) brought him on enormously mentally and physically. There’s no reason why we won’t do the same thing next year. Everytime last year he was winning on the bridle so he was getting complacent - he needed Ascot but I wasn’t keen on running him under a big weight.

“I’d quite like to forget (the Haldon Chase at) Exeter, because it’s a handicap, and then go straight for the Tingle Creek

“We won this race with Call Equiname, who had progressed through handicaps but this one is the best, I’d be lucky to have one to keep up with him at home.

“It’s great to have won one of the championship races and anything else this year is a bonus now.”

Fifth-placed Venn Ottery was travelling superbly until the home straight and Nicholls said: “I haven’t spoken to Timmy (Murphy) but I can guarantee it was the wind that got to him in the straight. He’ll be OK in a good chase somewhere next season - if I’ve still got him that is!”

PLACED QUOTES RACE THREE
QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE

MAYBE IRELAND AGAIN

“He really has run very well, though I suppose you have to say that we are a bit lucky to be here with Moscow Flyer having fallen,” said Philip Hobbs after Flagship Uberalles had been second to Azertyuiop. “Before the race we were hoping for third, and I don’t really think that he has run much below the form he showed when he won this race two years ago. It is just that the winner and Moscow Flyer are two exceptional horses.

“He has become a Festival regular as he is ten years old now and has been running here since he was five. I don’t know what will happen with him now as he is getting on a bit, but there is the BMW Chase at Punchestown which he won last year and he has been invited to the Grand Jump at Nakayama in Japan.”

Richard Johnson reported that Flagship Uberalles “is in great form but was just beaten by a better horse.”

Jerry Wright, spokesman for the Liars Poker Partnership who own third home Tiutchev, described themselves as “very pleased. Third was what we had hoped for and third was what we got. AP (McCoy) said that we should look at the two and a half miler and the three miler at Liverpool, though that meeting is a bit close to this and we don’t want to overrace him. Although he has not won a race this season he has done very well and been second in three Group 1s.”

Andy Stewart, whose Cenkos stayed on into fourth, said that Mick Fitzgerald felt the ten-year-old might stay a bit further. “They went very fast, which you have to to have any chance in a race like this and I am very happy with him.”

Jessica Harrington reported that Moscow Flyer was none the worse for his fall. “The idea now is to go for the two and a half miler at Aintree and then, if he is OK after that, to Punchestown. Hopefully we will be back here again next year.

“Barry (Geraghty) said that Moscow Flyer ‘has not quite found the rhythm which he had last year and that maybe he was a bit to keen in the race, which might have been his undoing. But that’s racing and we have these days.”

WINNING QUOTES RACE FOUR
CORAL CUP HANDICAP HURDLE

LIVERPOOL MORE LIKELY THAN TOMORROW

Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnson have been on an upward progression through the afternoon and, having been third with Grey Report and second with Flagship Uberalles, they made the number one spot when Monkerhostin, who joined Hobbs’ yard at the start of this season, got the better of 200-1 shot Court Shareef in the Coral Cup.

The winner has been declared for tomorrow’s Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle, but a brief post race discussion with owner Martin St Quinton indicated that to be a very unlikely option and it is more probable that Monkerhostin will run in the Grade 1 three-mile hurdle at Aintree.

“He is very tough horse and there is no reason from that point of view why he shouldn’t run tomorrow,” said Hobbs. “If he ran and won, that would be fine, but if he ran badly that would be the end of his season, effectively, so the sensible decision would seem to be to go to Liverpool.

“He is effective from two miles to three but I think that maybe two and a half miles plus is best for him. You have to stay to win over two miles five round here.”

Monkerhostin joined Hobbs at the start of the season from Oliver Sherwood when Surprising went the other way. “They both needed a change of scenery and it has worked well for them both, though unfortunately Surprising has now got a leg,” explained the winning trainer’s wife Sarah.

Mrs. Hobbs, who was in charge of matters while her husband attended to stablemate Bow Strada, who finished 16th, reported Richard Johnson as saying that “they went far too fast early on, so I just dropped him out and gave him plenty of time. He jumped super and won well.”

tote winner

This could be part of a very good bet for a totesport punter in Ireland, who had a £20 yankee yesterday and has so far won with Fork Lightning (8-1), Fundamentalist (10-1) and Monkerhostin (9-1). He will collect £264,000 if Tusk wins the JCB Triumph Hurdle tomorrow.


RACE FOUR CORAL CUP HANDICAP HURDLE
PLACED QUOTES

SECOND FOR PRICE

Richard Price was left ruing the fact that third-placed Rhinestone Cowboy’s participation in the Coral Cup meant that his second, 200/1 chance Court Shareef, was 11lb out of the handicap. He was beaten by Monkerhostin by a length.

He said: “Nearly - I’m pleased as punch and he’s a better horse fresh. He was trained for this race and if Rhinestone Cowboy hadn’t run we would have won wouldn’t we?

“It was a super run and the only one that I’m disappointed for is the horse. We’d have had some race if he had been in the handicap.

“We might now go on the Flat or the Scottish Champion Hurdle is an option. There’s also a Listed handicap at Aintree or one of the handicaps at Aintree - he’ll be entered for them. When he runs well, he usually takes his races well until the ground gets firm.

“He was beaten two lengths in a Listed race on the Flat at Doncaster last season.”

Owner Derek Holder added: “I thought that he’d won it coming over the last. I’m especially delighted as he’s home-bred and he’s got three brothers and two sisters. It was a shame Rhinestone Cowboy was in the race.”


ANTONY EVANS BANNED

Antony Evans has been banned for two days for careless riding on Ollie Magern in the Coral Cup. He will miss the 28th and 29th March.

FIFTH RACE WINNING QUOTES
NATIONAL HUNT CHASE CHALLENGE CUP

WIDGER SCORES ON EMPEROR

Robert Widger, who rode more than 100 winners as a conditional, landed the four-mile National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup aboard the Jonjo O’Neill-trained Native Emperor having reverted to riding as an amateur.

“I got too heavy, my weight went up to 13 and a half stone, so I went back to Ireland. But I then broke my leg and have only been back riding for four weeks. I had a win under Rules three weeks ago and have won about 18 point-to-points,” said Widger. “I gave up the drink and can ride at around 11 stone now.

“I got the ride because Jonjo’s head lad, Alan Roche, is a neighbour of mine in Waterford, where I now do my own horses at home - buying, selling and breaking.”

O’Neill was winning the race for the fourth time and joked: “Maybe it’s because I’ve just got a lot of slow horses! Native Emperor didn’t turn out to be quite quick enough for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase and I always thought he would stay.

“Hopefully, he’ll be a National horse one day although he is not in it this year. But I think I put him in the Scottish National (which closed this morning).

“Robert has always been a good lad, he just got a bit heavy, and Alan Roche told me to book him.”

PLACED QUOTES RACE FIVE
NATIONAL HUNT CHASE

PIPE NOT SURPRISED

“I am not at all surprised he has run so well, we definitely thought that he had a squeak,” declared Martin Pipe after 33-1 Celestial Gold had been caught only on the hill after 24 fences of the National Hunt Chase and beaten a length and three-quarters by Native Emperor.

Owner David Johnson noted that his horse had twice been beaten by the winner when they met at Stratford earlier in the season. “But at least we got a bit closer this time,” he added with reference to the fact that Celestial Gold had been a distance behind the winner on those two occasions.

“Ashley (Farrant) did the right thing to kick on when he did as the horse was going so well at the top of the hill,” Johnson added. “It was just a case of him being beaten by a better horse on the day.”

ATLASTABOY PUT DOWN

Atlastaboy broke a leg when he fell at the tenth fence and had to be humanely put down. His rider Gordon Elliott was unhurt.

RACE SIX MILDMAY OF FLETE CHALLENGE CUP HANDICAP CHASE
WIN QUOTES

MOORE BREAK DUCKS

Gary Moore achieved something that he never did as a jockey, gaining his first National Hunt Festival winner, when Tikram proved two and a half lengths too powerful for favourite Iznogoud.

He said: “It’s unbelievable - I thought he was too far back and had no chance. He’s Timmy’s [Timmy Murphy, jockey] sort of horse as he lets him get into a rhythm. It must be quick ground out there for him to win.

“Once he took the last only half a length down, I thought he would win as he stays so well.

“I hate running horses from out of the handicap as he was 3lb wrong but he was neat and foot perfect. Tony McCoy, who has won on him, said the first time that he schooled him that he was dynamite over fences.

“This is my first winner at the Festival and I’ve probably only had three or four runners - I never had a win here as a jockey. I think I did have one winner here [at Cheltenham but not at the Festival] as a jockey but that was probably in a claiming hurdle!

“Jamie [Moore, son and jockey who has ridden him on his last two starts] being banned is the only thing that takes the icing off the cake. It was a fair price to pay as he was done for excessive use of the whip - he’s only young and he was trying too hard.

“Jamie would have claimed 3lb and that would have put us in the handicap and he knows the horse so well but Timmy did great. Jamie’s probably mucking out right now!

“I’ve had three Group winners as a trainer but this is different class - this was far better than that.

“I don’t know if he’ll run at Aintree as he gives himself a hard race as he gives himself a lot to do.

“He’s won three times this season now and owes no-one anything - I’ll be happy to put him away now.”


SIXTH RACE PLACED QUOTES
THE MILDMAY OF FLETE CHALLENGE CUP


IZNOGOUD FINDS ONE TOO GOOD

The Martin Pipe-trained Iznogoud lost out by two and a half lengths in the Mildmay Of Flete Challenge Cup Chase when going down to the fast-finishing Tikram.

“He ran a blinder and just got caught by one lower down the weights,” said trainer’s son David Pipe.

Cheltenham specialist Fondmort was a length and a half back in third.

“He’s got too much weight but loves it around here and has run a blinder,” said bloodstock agent Anthony Bromley, who bought the horse for owner Bill Brown.

“He is tailormade for the new two and a half mile championship race replacing the Cathcart here next year as the Gold Cup trip is too far, the Queen Mother trip is too short and he has too much weights in handicaps so has to go for championship races.”

MAGICAL BAILIWICK
Magical Bailiwick fractured his right hip when falling in the National Hunt Chase and had to be humanely put down.

RACE SEVEN WEATHERBYS CHAMPION BUMPER
WIN QUOTES

TOTAL ENJOYMENT FOR COOPER AND FANS

“It’s a dream come true to have one here, let alone have a winner,” were the words uttered by Tommy Cooper after Total Enjoyment won the concluding Weatherbys Champion Bumper by two and a half lengths from Refinement.

He continued: “Jim [Culloty, jockey] minded the machine well. She’s a bloody machine. I told you all at Fairyhouse [when she won in December] and you all laughed, well you’re not laughing now!

“There’s 11 people in the It Will Never Last Syndicate and I’m a shareholder myself. This is one for Tyrone and it’s unbelievable.

“I rode her out yesterday morning on the all-weather and there were 150 people there - she was so focussed and just concentrated on galloping. On the track she just gallops. I rode her two weeks ago and the feeling I got off her was unbelievable.

“That will be her finished for the year and then she’ll go novice hurdling.

“I took out a full licence in 1998 and while I have winners every year, I’ve had nothing like this. I knew she was special in the very early days and when we broke her in she was a nutcase, bucking off everyone. She still goes into the ring before we gallop her.

“I always thought that she wanted soft ground but as she’s got used to racing, she’s got used to firmer ground - I had no worries about good ground.”

Total Enjoyment received a quote of 12/1 for next year’s Letheby & Christopher Supreme Novices’ Hurdle from Cashmans, who laid the mare to lose euros 120,000 at rates of 25/1 all the way down to her starting price of 7/1.

GOING NEWS AT 9.45 AM

Following a dry night the going on all parts of the course remains


GOOD.

The going stick measurement, on which 1 is heavy and 15 is hard, has moved from 7.9 to 8.2. It was at 7.5 on the morning of racing yesterday.

“The going is consistent on all parts of the course, and the track has taken yesterday’s racing very well indeed. It has gone back splendidly,” said clerk of the course Simon Claisse.

“There is a slight chance that there may be a bit of drizzle later in the day, though it will be nothing measurable.”


ELLIOTT COOPER

Conditional jockey Elliott Cooper, who had a heavy fall when Tardar fell three flights from home in the final of the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle yesterday, is being kept under observation for facial injuries in Cheltenham General Hospital.

Cooper who, like his brother Liam, is attached to Jonjo O’Neill’s stable, has ridden five winners this season.

O’Neill had four runners in the Pertemps Hurdle and won the race with the longest-priced of the quartet -- the 50-1 chance Creon, who is owned by JP McManus.


BETTING NEWS

Having watched the bookmakers staggering away from the course last night under the weight of their bulging satchels, punters who suffered reverse after reverse on the first day, culminating with the 50-1 win for Creon in the last, have now decided to attack on the other front today and have put their faith in some outsiders.

In the opening Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle (2.0) there has been money for Grey Report, one of two runners in the race for Philip Hobbs and backed from 33-1 to 20-1 with the Tote and Coral and from the same price to 25-1 with Ladbrokes. Coral have also trimmed Very Optimistic from 8-1 to 6-1 and Victor Chandler have brought in Sindapour from 20-1 to 16-1.

Chandler have also been involved in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Chase (2.35), in which they have cut Royal Emperor by a point to 7-1.

There are some interesting bets at both ends of the market for the Queen Mother Champion Chase (3.20). The Tote reports interest in Tiutchev from 25-1 to 16-1, while Chandlers have been forced to halve rank outsider Ei Ei from 200-1 to 100-1 and one amazing Ladbrokes shop punter has invested £1,000 each way on Ei Ei, Eskleybrook and Venn Ottery ! At the other end of the spectrum, in October, 2002 a Coral customer backed Azertyuiop at 150-1 to £400 to win the Arkle Trophy of 2003 and this year’s Champion Chase. He can look forward to a healthy payout.

There has inevitably been a wide spread of business in the Coral Cup Hurdle (4.0) with Rosaker particularly popular. He has come in from 11-1 to 8-1 with the Tote, from 10-1 to 9-1 with Cashmans, and from 10-1 to 8-1 with Coral, Paddy Power and Chandlers. The Tote (14-1 to 10-1) and Cashmans (12-1 to 10-1) have also done business over Emotional Moment, while Chandlers have trimmed Mon Villez from 33-1 to 20-1 and Redemption from 25-1 to 20-1. Redemption has also been popular with Ladbrokes from 25-1 to 20-1. There are mixed feelings about Rhinestone Cowboy, with Ladbrokes having laid a £20,000 bet at 6-1 but Cashmans reporting no demand for the horse, whom they have pushed out from 11-2 to 6-1. Ladbrokes have also laid a £5,000 bet at 9-1 about Dromlease Express.

Silver Birch (7-1 to 6-1) and Drombeag (9-1 to 6-1 and a bet of £5,000 each
way) have been popular with Cashmans for the National Hunt Chase (4.35), and in the Mildmay of Flete Handicap Chase (5.10) Iznogoud has been cut from 10-1 to 13-2 by Powers and Whereareyouknow has come in from 9-1 to 7-1 with Cashmans.

FIRST RACE RESULT
2.00pm ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES’ HURDLE
Class A, Grade One, £100,000 Guaranteed. For 4yo+, 2m 5f. Weights: 4yo 10st 13lb, 5yo+ 11st 7lb. Allowances: fillies & mares 7lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £58,000; 2nd: £22,000; 3rd: £11,000; 4th: £5,000; 5th: £2,500; 6th: £1,500

1) FUNDAMENTALIST (Gripen) Nigel Twiston-Davies 6-11-07 Carl Llewellyn 12/1
2) INGLIS DREVER (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 5-11-07 Graham Lee 7/4 Fav
3) GREY REPORT (Mrs D A La Trobe) Philip Hobbs 7-11-07 Richard Johnson 25/1
4) COMPLY OR DIE (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 5-11-07 Timmy Murphy
5) BIG MOMENT (R Doel, A Black, Dr J Howells & D Broad) Amanda Perrett 6-11-07 Leighton Aspell
6) SADLERS WINGS (John Brennan) Willie Mullins IRE t6-11-07 Ruby Walsh
7) TIGHTEN YOUR BELT (The Merseyclyde Partnership) Venetia Williams 7-11-07 Sam Thomas
8) VERY OPTIMISTIC (Gay Smith) Jonjo O'Neill 6-11-07 Barry Geraghty
9) CHAMPAGNE HARRY (Gavin MacEchern) Nigel Twiston-Davies 6-11-07 Antony Evans
10) AMMONIAS (J E Brown & P Randall) Charlie Mann 5-11-07 Noel Fehily
11) ROSS RIVER (Seamus Ross) Philip Hobbs 8-11-07 Paul Flynn
12) KING SOLOMON (Seasons Holidays) Venetia Williams t5-11-07 Tony Dobbin
13) SINDAPOUR (Mary Burke) Martin Pipe 6-11-07 Tony McCoy
14) FONTANESI (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 4-10-13 Rodi Greene
15) YARDBIRD (Gilco) Henrietta Knight 5-11-07 Jim Culloty

15 ran Non-Runner: Brave Inca (Vet’s Certificate)
Breeder: John Fowler Breeding: b g Supreme Leader - Run For Shelter
Distances: ½, 4, nk, 4, nk, 4, 7, 1, 15, 18, 11, 3, 11, dist
Tote Win: £10.80 Places: £2.70; £1.50; £5.60 Exacta: £28.10

Winning trainer: NIGEL TWISTON-DAVIES: Based: Grange Hill Farm, Naunton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire Date of birth: 16/5/57 Date of first licence: 1981/2; Previous occupation: Farmer Wins (1982/3-2002/03):0,0,4,4,1,3,2,8,19,31,76,72,81,74,52,69,65,87,47,35,31 Number of horses in training (1984-2003): n/a,10,n/a,6,n/a,5,13,24,34,40,68,67,81,82,74,98,71,60, 58, 52 Big Race Wins Include: Martell Grand National (1998 Earth Summit, 2002 Bindaree), Scottish Grand National (1992 Captain Dibble, 1994 Earth Summit), Paddy Power Gold Cup (1992 Tipping Tim), Scottish Champion Hdle (1994 Corrouge, 2000 Mister Morose), Rehearsal Chase (1995 Grange Brake), Peter Marsh Chase (1995 Earth Summit), Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (1995 Sweet Duke, 2000 Beau), Christmas Hurdle (1997 Kerawi), Independent Newspaper Novices’ Chase (1998 Mister Morose), Tote Sandown Hcap Hurdle (2000 Rubhahunish), Welsh Champion Hurdle (2000 Mister Morose), Tanglefoot Elite Hurdle (2000 Mister Morose), Whitbread Gold Cup (2000 Beau), Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup (2000 King’s Road), OPEN TROPHY (2003 Shardam) Cheltenham Festival wins: (7) William Hill NH Chase (1992 Tipping Tim), Royal & SunAlliance Hdle (1993 Gaelstrom, 2004 Fundamentalist), Royal & SunAlliance C (1993 Young Hustler), Letheby & CHristopher Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1994 Arctic Kinsman), JCB Triumph Hurdle (1998 Upgrade), Pertemps Final H’cap Hurdle (2000 Rubhahunish)

Wnning Jockey: Carl Llewellyn Date of Birth: 29/07/65 Apprenticeship: Served with Jim Old and Stan Mellor. First Winner: 14/03/86, Wolverhampton (Starjestic) Cheltenham Festival Wins: (7) ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE HURDLE (1993 Gaelstrom, 2004 Fundamentalist), WILLIAM HILL CHASE (1992 Tipping Tim), MILDMAY OF FLETE (1988 Smart Tar), LETHEBY & CHRISTOPHER SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE (1994 Arctic Kinsman), JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE (1998 Upgrade), PERTEMPS FINAL H’CAP HURDLE (2000 Rubhahunish) Other Big Race Wins: MARTELL GRAND NATIONAL (1992 Party Politics, 1998 Earth Summit), PADDY POWER GOLD CUP (1992 Tipping Tim), LONG WALK HURDLE (1993 Sweet Duke), REHEARSAL CHASE (1993 Party Politics), GREENALLS GOLD CUP CHASE (1993 Party Politics), TOTE SILVER TROPHY HANDICAP HURDLE (1998 Mister Morose), NOVEMBER NOVICES’ CHASE (1998 Mister Morose), BRISTOL NOVICES’ HURDLE (1998 Bosuns Mate), RISING STARS NOVICES’ CHASE (2000 Bindaree), TANGLEFOOT ELITE HURDLE (2000 Mister Morose), OPEN TROPHY (2003 Shardam) Number of Wins (1988/89-2002/03): 20; 19; 32; 53; 68; 39; 45; 58; 57; 82; 78; 68; 54; 36; 29 Wins This Season: 57

SECOND RACE RESULT

2.35pm ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE CHASE
Class A, Grade One, £140,000 Guaranteed. For 5yo+, 3m ½f. Weights: 5yo 10st 8lb, 6yo+ 11st 4lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £81,200; 2nd: £30,800; 3rd: £15,400; 4th: £7,000; 5th: £3,500; 6th: £2,100

1) RULE SUPREME (John Lynch) Willie Mullins IRE 8-11-04 David Casey 25/1
2) ROYAL EMPEROR (Widdop Wanderers) Sue Smith 8-11-04 Dominic Elsworth 6/1
3) OUR VIC (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 6-11-04 Tony McCoy 11/8 Fav
4) PATRICKSNINETEENTH (The Large G & T Partnership) Paul Webber 7-11-04 Tom Doyle
5) HISTORIC (Mrs R E R Rumboll) Tom George 8-11-04 Jason Maguire
6) LISCANNOR LAD (C P O’Brien) Dessie Hughes IRE 6-11-04 Paul Carberry
BD 2 OUT) PIZARRO (Edward Wallace) Edward O'Grady IRE 7-11-04 Barry Geraghty
F 2 OUT) MOSSY GREEN (Greenstar Syndicate) Willie Mullins IRE 10-11-04 Ruby Walsh
PU) SUPREME PRINCE (Karola Vann) Philip Hobbs 7-11-04 Paul Flynn
UR 4 OUT) CALLING BRAVE (Sir Robert Ogden) Nicky Henderson 8-11-04 Mick Fitzgerald

10 ran Non-Runner: Lord Sam (vet’s certificate)
Breeder: Mary & Mrs H T Murphy Breeding: b g Supreme Leader - Book Of Rules (IRE)
Distances: 1¼, 2, 13, 19, 23
Tote Win: £31.00 Places: £4.60; £1.90; £1.40 Exacta: £107.60

Winning Trainer: Willie Mullins Date of Birth: 15/9/56 Date of first licence: 1988 Cheltenham Festival wins: (8) Letheby & Christopher Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1995 Tourist Attraction), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (1998 Florida Pearl, 2004 Rule Supreme), Weatherbys Champion Bumper (1996 Wither Or Which, 1997 Florida Pearl, 1998 Alexander Banquet, 2000 Joe Cullen), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2002 Scolardy) Other Major Wins Include: Irish Hennessy Gold Cup (1999, 2000, 2001, 2004 Florida Pearl, 2002 Alexander Banquet), Pierse Hurdle (2002 Adamant Approach), King George VI Chase (2001 Florida Pearl), Martell Cup (2002 Florida Pearl) Number of Winners in Britain in 2001/2-2002/03: 4; 1 Horses in Training (2003): 81

Winning Jockey: David Casey Background: Formerly with Lambourn trainer Oliver Sherwood
before contract was terminated, turned freelance operating in Ireland and Britain before basing himself in Ireland in December 2000. Agreement to ride Charlie Swan’s chasers and to partner horses owned by Vincent and Ann Daly, two of Mouse Morris’ owners. Cheltenham Festival Wins (2): Grand Annual (2002 Fadounal Du Cochet), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2004 Rule Supreme) Big Race Wins: CROWTHER HOMES SWINTON HCAP HURDLE (1999 She’s Our Mare); CORK GRAND NATIONAL (2000 Section Seven), Charlie Hall Chase (2001 Sackville), SANDEMAN MAGHULL NOVICES’ CHASE (2000 Cenkos), IMPERIAL CUP (2000 Magic Combination)

THIRD RACE RESULT

3.20pm QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE
Class A, Grade One, £250,000 Guaranteed. For 5yo+, 2m. Weights: 5yo 11st 6lb, 6yo+ 11st 10lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £145,000; 2nd: £55,000; 3rd: £27,500; 4th: £12,500; 5th: £6,250; 6th: £3,750

1) AZERTYUIOP (John Hales) Paul Nicholls 7-11-10 Ruby Walsh 15/8
2) FLAGSHIP UBERALLES (J P McManus) Philip Hobbs 10-11-10 Richard Johnson 14/1
3) TIUTCHEV (The Liars Poker Partnership) Martin Pipe 11-11-10 Tony McCoy 16/1
4) CENKOS (Judy Stewart) Paul Nicholls 10-11-10 Mick Fitzgerald
5) VENN OTTERY (Oliver Carter) Paul Nicholls 9-11-10 Timmy Murphy
6) EI EI (Susan Richards) Michael Chapman 9-11-10 Lee Vickers
7) ESKLEYBROOK (Victor Gethin) Victor Gethin p11-11-10 Mark Bradburne
UR 4 OUT) MOSCOW FLYER (Brian Kearney) Jessica Harrington 10-11-10 Barry Geraghty 5/6 Fav

8 ran
Breeder: Pierre de Maleissye Melun Breeding: b g Baby Turk - Temara (FR)
Distances: 9, 1½, 2½, 10, 12, 10
Tote Win: £3.10 Places: £1.40; £1.50; £2.10 Exacta: £21.80

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--2002/03): 20,29,28,53,56,82,110,71, 83, 136, 152 Horses in training (1997-2003): 52, 60, 66, 65, 78, 105, 106 Cheltenham Festival Wins: (5) 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) Other big race wins: Martell Cup Chase (2000 See More Business), Martell Melling Chase (2001 Fadalko), 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)

Winning Jockey: Ruby Walsh Born: May 14, 1979 Cheltenham Festival Wins (4): Weatherbys Champion Bumper (1998 Alexander Banquet), Mildmay Of Flete (2002 Blowing Wind), Irish Independent Arkle (2003 Azertyuiop), Queen Mother Champion Chase (2004 Azertyuiop);Other Big Race Wins: MARTELL COGNAC GRAND NATIONAL (2000 Papillon), HEINEKEN GOLD CUP (1999 Imperial Call), INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER NOVICES’ CHASE (2002 Azertyuiop, 2003 Thisthatandtother), GREATWOOD HURDLE (2003 Rigmarole), RACING POST CHASE (2004 Marlborough), MARTELL COGNAC AINTREE HURDLE (2003 Sacundai) Number of Wins in Britain (1998/99-2002/03): 1; 1; 5; 13; 77 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.

FOURTH RACE RESULT
4.00pm CORAL CUP (HANDICAP HURDLE)
Class A, Grade Three, £75,000 Guaranteed. For 5yo+, 2m 5f. Minimum weight 10st. Penalties: after February 28, a winner of a hurdle 4lb (no penalty to increase a horse’s weight above 11st 12lb). Penalty Values: 1st: £43,500; 2nd: £16,500; 3rd: £8,250; 4th: £3,750; 5th: £1,875; 6th: £1,125

1) MONKERHOSTIN (Martin St Quinton) Philip Hobbs 7-10-08 Richard Johnson 13/2
2) COURT SHAREEF (Derek & Cheryl Holder) Richard Price 9-9-11 Wayne Hutchinson (3) 200/1
3) RHINESTONE COWBOY (Sue Magnier) Jonjo O'Neill 8-11-05 Mr J P Magnier (7) 5/1 Fav
4) MUGHAS (B Winfield, C Fenton & A Longman) Alan King 5-10-05 Robert Thornton 11/2
5) EMOTIONAL MOMENT (Watercork Syndicate) Tom Taaffe IRE 7-10-00 David Casey
6) AINE DUBH (Kevin O’Donnell) Kevin O'Donnell 7-10-00 Jimmy McCarthy
7) KORELO (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 6-10-00 Rodi Greene
8) THE FRENCH FURZE (Jim Ennis) Nicky Richards 10-10-06 Brian Harding
9) QUAZAR (David Carr) Jonjo O'Neill t6-11-01 Tony Dobbin
10) SUD BLEU (Barry Marshall) Paul Nicholls 6-10-01 (1lb ow) Ruby Walsh
11) ROSAKER (high Street Ceathar Syndicate) Noel Meade IRE 7-10-09 Paul Carberry
12) OLLIE MAGERN (Roger Nicholls) Nigel Twiston-Davies 6-9-11 Antony Evans (3)
13) CLAYMORE (Brian Stwart-Brown) Oliver Sherwood 8-10-02 Leighton Aspell
14) GALILEO (Sharon Nelson, Allan Stennett & Terry Warner) Tom George 8-10-04 Jason Maguire
15) FOLY PLEASANT (Jim Lewis & Friends) Henrietta Knight t10-9-12 (1lb ow) Sam Thomas (3)
16) BOW STRADA (Mike Tuckey) Philip Hobbs 7-10-00 Seamus Durack
17) REDEMPTION (John Duggan & Michael Purtill) Nigel Twiston-Davies 9-10-00 Carl Llewellyn
18) STARZAAN (Ben Arbib) Hughie Morrison 5-10-11 Timmy Murphy
19) REVIEWER (Ladyswood Stud) Martyn Meade 6-9-09 Tom Phelan (5)
20) INCA TRAIL (Philip Myerscough) Henrietta Knight t8-10-00 Jim Culloty
21) JOSHUA'S BAY (Mr & Mrs Leo Shack) John Jenkins 6-10-00 Graham Lee
22) ANATAR (Eminence Grise Partnership) Martin Pipe 6-9-09 Joey Elliott (5)
23) ALMARAVIDE (P J Constable) Mark Bradstock 8-10-00 Mattie Batchelor
24) CONTRABAND (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 6-9-11 James Davies (3)
25) VAL DE FLEURIE (Mary Konig) John O'Shea 9-9-11 David Crosse (3)
26) MON VILLEZ (Million In Mind) Nicky Henderson 5-10-00 Andrew Tinkler (3)
27) DROMLEASE EXPRESS (Rds Syndicate) Charles Byrnes IRE 6-10-00 Shay Barry

27 ran
Non-Runners: Keepatem (vet’s certificate), Mythical King (Ground), Blackchurch Mist (vet’s certificate)
Breeder: Mme Dominique Steverlynck Breeding: b g Shining Steel - Ladoun (FR)
Distances: 5, 1¼, 2½, 3, sh, 2½, ½, 5, nk, 1, 1¼, 2½, ½, 1, 1¾, 4, ½, 1, 2½, 11, 1¾, nk, 3½, ½, 1¼, ½ Tote Win: £7.20 Places: £1.90; £37.10; £2.20; £2.20 Exacta: £1337.20

Winning trainer: Philip Hobbs Based: Sandhill, Bilbrook, Minehead, Somerset Date of Birth: 26/7/55 Riding Career: Professional NH 1975-86, rode 160 winners Date of first trainer’s licence: August 1, 1985 Wins this season: Cheltenham Festival wins: (8) Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle (1990 Moody Man, 2002 Rooster Booster), Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup Handicap (1996 Kibreet), Coral Cup H’cap Hurdle (2000 What’s Up Boys, 2994 Monkerhostin), Queen Mother Champion Chase (2002 Flagship Uberalles), Smurfit Champion Hurdle (2003 Rooster Booster), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2003 One Knight) Wins (1990/91-2002/03): 33; 51; 37; 64; 86; 77; 64; 71; 84; 120; 82; 119; 134 Horses in training (1990-2003): 44; 53; 60; 52; 47; 65; 72; 80; 81; 81; 82; 99; 108; 112 Other major wins:Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase (1989 Joint Sovereignty), William Hill Handicap Hurdle (1998 Polar Prospect),, Racing Post Chase (1999 Dr Leunt, 2002 Gunther McBride), Edinburgh Woollen Mill Champion Novices’ Chase (1999 Bouchasson), Hennessy Gold Cup (2001 What’s Up Boys), Tote Becher Chase (1997 Samlee), Rehabilitation Of Racehorses H’cap Hurdle (2002 Rooster Booster), Martell Topham Chase (1997 Bells Life, 2001 Gower-Slave),Martell Mildmay Novices’ Chase (2001 What’s Up Boys)

Winning Jockey: Richard Johnson Date of birth: 21/07/77 Wins (1993/94-2002/2003): 1; 12; 53; 102; 120; 133; 143; 161; 132; 147 Cheltenham Festival wins: (10) BONUSPRINT STAYERS’ HURDLE (1999 Anzum), MILDMAY OF FLETE CHALLENGE CUP H’CAP CHASE (2000 Dark Stranger, 2003 Young Spartacus), TOTE CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP (2000 Looks Like Trouble), QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE (2002 Flagship Uberalles), COUNTY HURDLE (2002 Rooster Booster), SMURFIT CHAMPION HURDLE (2003 Rooster Booster), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2003 One Knight), Cathcart Chase (2003 La Landiere), CORAL CUP (2004 Monkerhostin) Other big race wins: JAMES NICHOLSON WINE MERCHANT CHAMPION CHASE (2000 Looks Like Trouble), WELSH NATIONAL (1999 Edmond), RACING POST TROPHY (2000 Gloria Victis, 2001 Young Spartacus, 2002 Gunter McBride), TOTE SILVER CUP (2002 Behrajan), Martell Cup Chase (1998 Escartefigue), Mildmay Novices’ Chase (1999 Spendid, 2001 What’s Up Boys)

FIFTH RACE RESULT
4.35pm 134TH YEAR OF THE NATIONAL HUNT CHASE CHALLENGE CUP

Class B, £50,000 Guaranteed. For 5yo+, 4m. Weights: 5yo 10st 11lb, 6yo+ 11st 7lb. Penalties: a winner of a chase prior to April 27, 2003, 4lb, a winner of a chase after April 26, 2003, 4lb, of 2 such races 7lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £29,000; 2nd: 11,000; 3rd: £5,500; 4th: £2,500; 5th: £1,250; 6th: £750

1) NATIVE EMPEROR (J C, J R and S R Hitchins) Jonjo O'Neill 8-11-11 Mr Robert Widger 5/1 Jt Fav
2) CELESTIAL GOLD (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 6-11-11 Mr Ashley Farrant 33/1
3) DROMBEAG (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 6-11-07 Mr J T McNamara 8/1
4) SILVER BIRCH (S J Nicholls) Paul Nicholls 7-11-11 Mr Derek O'Connor 5/1 Jt Fav
5) ABBEYTOWN (Miss M L Estby) Kenty Riordan IRE 7-11-07 Mr Denis Cullen
6) DEAR DEAL (J A G Meaden) Colin Tizzard 11-12-00 Mr Nick Mitchell
7) MISTER BANJO (John Hales) Paul Nicholls 8-11-11 Mr Richard Burton
8) SATCO EXPRESS (J B Ryan) Eamon Sheehy IRE 8-12-00 Mr M Darcy
9) TIPP TOP LORD (Mrs R Vaughan) Nigel Twiston-Davies 7-12-00 Mr Robert Stephens
10) MULTEEN RIVER (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 8-12-00 Mr Alan Crowe
11) GO WHITE LIGHTNING (J Macleod) Mark Bradstock 9-11-07 Mr M J O'Connor
12) MADAM'S MAN (Raymond Mould) Nigel Twiston-Davies 8-11-11 Mr Marc Goldstein
13) MONTEMOSS (Wychwood Racing Partnership) Mark Rimell 7-11-07 Mr Mark Rimell
F 17) MAGICAL BAILIWICK (Islands Racing Connection) Martin Pipe v1 8-12-00 Mr Gordon Shenkin
F 10) ATLASTABOY (Timothy Chick) Tom George 8-11-11 Mr Gordon Elliott
PU) BOY'S HURRAH (Woolpack Farm Partnership) Howard Johnson 8-11-11 Mr Philip York
PU) NORTHERN EDITION (You Boyz Is Lost) Paul Nicholls 7-11-11 Mr Nick Williams
PU) BILLYWILL (P F Kehoe) Seamus Mullins t10-11-11 Mr Aidan FitzGerald
PU) MAJOR BENEFIT (Nick Shutts) Karen Marks 7-11-11 Mr M Keel
PU) GUARD DUTY (Neil Edwards & Malcolm Jones) Martin Pipe tv7-11-11 Mr Tom Malone
PU) INTREPID MOGAL (J N Cheatle) Nick Pomfret 7-11-11 Mr Stuart Morris
PU) HAWK'S LANDING (J P McManus) Jonjo O'Neill 7-11-11 Mr Kevin Power

23 ran Non-Runner: Boneyarrow (vet’s certificate), Majed (vet’s certificate)
Breeder: D Mitchell Breeding: br g Be My Native (USA) - Fiona’s Blue
Distances: 1¾, 6, 11, nk, ½, 1½, 3, 19, 1½, 10, 16, 1¼
Tote Win: £6.10 Places: £2.80; £9.00; £2.80 Exacta: £264.70

Winning trainer: JONJO O’NEILL Born: April 13, 1952 Based: Jackdaws Castle, Gloucestershire Career: former National Hunt jockey Cheltenham Festival wins: (9) Pertemps Final (1991 Danny Connors, 2003 Inching Closer, 2004 Creon); National Hunt Chase (1995 Front Line, 2002 Rith Dubh, 2003 Sudden Shock, 2004 Native Emperor); Vincent O’Brien County H’cap Hurdle (2000 Master Tern), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2003 Spectroscope) Horses in Training (1996-2003): 53; 59; 59; 78; 78, 75, 98, 90 Number of Winners (1995/96--2002/03): 18; 17; 32; 38; 44; 58; 113; 114 Other Big Race Wins: Tripleprint Gold Cup (1999 Legal Right), Tote Silver Cup (2000 Legal Right), Tote Bookmakers Handicap Hurdle (2002 Native Emperor), Kingwell Hurdle (2003 Rhinestone Cowboy), Challow Hurdle (2002 Coolnagorna), Reynoldstown Chase (2003 Keen Leader), Welsh National (2002 Mini Sensation), Tote Becher Chase (2003 Clan Royal), Edward Hanmer Chase (2003 Keen Leader)

Winning Jockey: Mr Robert Peter Widger Cheltenham Festival Wins (1): National Huint Chase (2004 Native Emperor) Background: former conditional jockey with Philip Hobbs, relinquished professional licence due to weight problems and is now based in Ireland and riding as an amateur Other Big Race Wins: Edinburgh Woollen Mill Champion Novices’ Chase (1999 Bouchasson)
SIXTH RACE RESULT

5.10pm 54th YEAR OF THE MILDMAY OF FLETE CHALLENGE CUP HANDICAP CHASE
Class A, Grade Three, £75,000 Guaranteed. For 5yo+, 2m 4 ½f. Minimum weight 10st. Penalties: after February 28, 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: £43,500; 2nd: £16,500; 3rd: £8,250; 4th: £3,750; 5th: £1,875; 6th: £1,125

1) TIKRAM (Mike Charlton & Rodger Sargent) Gary Moore 7-10-00 Timmy Murphy 12/1
2) IZNOGOUD (Country Stores-Avalon Surfacing) Martin Pipe 8-10-03 Tony McCoy 9/2 Fav
3) FONDMORT (Bill Brown) Nicky Henderson 8-11-12 Mick Fitzgerald 9/1
4) KELREV (Len Jakeman, Flintham, King & Roberts) Venetia Williams 6-9-11 Sam Thomas (3) 16/1
5) TURGEONEV (D F Sills) Tim Easterby 9-10-12 David O'Meara (3)
6) POLAR RED (Lady Hilda Clarke) Martin Pipe 7-10-07 Tom Scudamore
7) INN ANTIQUE (Walter Gott) Ferdy Murphy 8-10-00 Graham Lee
8) WHEREAREYOUNOW (Raymond Mould) Nigel Twiston-Davies 7-10-04 Carl Llewellyn
9) MIGHTY STRONG (Exors of the late J R Henderson) Nicky Henderson 10-9-13 Andrew Tinkler (3)
10) BARROW DRIVE (Exors of the late Mrs B Lenihan) Tony Mullins t8-10-11 Barry Geraghty
11) THE NEWSMAN (George Wareham) George Wareham 12-10-00 Leighton Aspell
12) FARMER JACK (Peter Partridge) Philip Hobbs 8-11-02 Andrew Thornton
13) JAKARI (The Earl Cadogan) Henry Daly 7-10-12 Richard Johnson
PU) BYRON LAMB (Edward Melville) Nicky Richards 7-10-00 Tony Dobbin
PU) BACK ON TOP (Sue Magnier) John Hassett IRE 10-10-00 Shay Barry
PU) HUNTERS TWEED (Trevor Hemmings) Peter Beaumont 8-10-08 Russ Garritty

17 ran Non-Runner: Puntal (vet’s certificate), Mr Bossman (Ground)
Breeder: Buckram Thoroughbred Enterprises Inc Breeding: ch g Lycius - Black Fighter (USA)
Distances: 2½, 1½, 2, ¾, 1, 2½, 4, 7, 3½, 5, sh, 7
Tote Win: £14.00 Places: £2.50; £1.60; £2.50; £4.70 Exacta: £49.50

Winning Trainer: Gary Moore Based: Woodingdean, Brighton, East Sussex Horses in Training (1996-2003): 44; 65; 60; 55; 53; 46; 41; 38 Number of Winners (1995/96-2002/03): 8; 13; 21; 16; 14; 15; 20; 25 Cheltenham Festival Wins (1): Mildmay of Flete (2004 Tikram) Other Big Race Wins: William Hill Handicap Hurdle (2001 Rob Leach), Martell Noblige H’cap Hdle (2000 Quakers Field)

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) Aintree Festival Wins: CORDON BLEU HCAP HURDLE (1999 Kinnescash) 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 (1995/96-2002/2003): 26; 28; 60; 73; 64; 54; 98; 42


SEVENTH RACE RESULT
5.45pm WEATHERBYS CHAMPION BUMPER
Class A, Grade One, £40,000 Guaranteed. For 4-6yo which have not run under any recognised Rules of Racing, except NH/INH Flat races, horses are not have run in more than four NH Flat races and, before March 1, 2004, must have been placed first, second, third or fourth in such a race, 2m ½f. Weights 4yo 10st 12lb, 5yo & 6yo 11st 5lb. Allowances: fillies & mares 7lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £23,200; 2nd: £8,800; 3rd: £4,400; 4th: £2,000; 5th: £1,000; 6th: £600

1) TOTAL ENJOYMENT (It Will Never Last Syndicate) Thomas Cooper IRE 4-10-12 Jim Culloty 7/1
2) REFINEMENT (Michael Tabor) Jonjo O'Neill 5-10-12 Barry Geraghty 7/1
3) MASTER ALBERT (Sue Magnier) David Wachman IRE 6-10-12 Mr J P Magnier (7) 50/1
4) ROYAL PARADISE (Marc de Chambure) Francois Doumen FR 4-10-12 Thierry Doumen
5) MR MCAULEY (Eugena Porter) Mick Halford IRE 6-11-05 Paul Carberry
6) KNOCKNABOOLY (Margaret O’Rourke) Willie Mullins IRE 5-11-05 Ruby Walsh
7) ONLY VINTAGE (Lady Bamford) Michael Hourigan IRE 4-10-12 Timmy Murphy
8) ITSA LEGEND (The We’re A Legend Partnership) Alan King 5-11-05 Robert Thornton
9) DEMARCO (Ronnie Bartlett) Nicky Henderson 6-11-05 Mick Fitzgerald
10) CORRIB ECLIPSE (M Ioannou) Jamie Poulton 5-11-00 Colin Bolger (5)
11) LORD GALE (C B Sanderson) Nigel Twiston-Davies 6-11-05 Carl Llewellyn
12) GAYLE ABATED (Sean Dunne) Willie Mullins IRE 5-11-05 Richard Johnson
13) MAJOR VERNON (B Doyle) Willie Mullins IRE 5-11-02 Mr Jamie Codd (3)
14) MARTINSTOWN (J P McManus) Christy Roche IRE 5-11-05 Fran Berry 7/2 Fav
15) BRASSIE (David Oldrey) Ralph Beckett 5-11-05 Tom Doyle
16) OUR BEN (Trevor Hemmings) Willie Mullins IRE 5-11-05 Tony McCoy
17) WOODLANDS GENPOWER (Woodland Generators) Peter Pritchard 6-11-05 Mark Bradburne
18) CELTIC SON (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 5-11-05 Rodi Greene
19) SEE MORE JOCK (Mrs B Bishop) Dr Jeremy Naylor 6-11-05 Andrew Thornton
20) THE THUNDERER (Tom Wilson) Nicky Henderson 5-11-05 Richard Hughes
21) MILLENAIRE (The Risky Partnership) Jonjo O'Neill 5-11-05 Liam Cooper
22) STAGECOACHSAPPHIRE (Jacqueline Conroy) Sue Smith 6-11-05 Dominic Elsworth
F) GRANNY KELLYS TART (Patrick Fahy) Willie Mullins IRE 6-11-05 David Casey
F) BLAZING LISS (Mrs N Flynn) John Kiely IRE 5-10-07 Mr Derek O'Connor (5)

24 ran
Breeder: Noel Collins Breeding: b m Flemensfirth (USA) - Oak Court (IRE)
Distances: 2½, 5, 1, 1½, 1, ¾, 5, 1, 3½, 1½, 2½, hd, 3½, ½, 4, 5, 3½, 10, 13, 21, 3½
Tote Win: £6.90 Places: £2.80; £3.70; £11.90 Exacta:£54.10

Winning Trainer: Thomas (Tommy) Cooper Based: Cahermoneen, Tralee, Co Kerry, Ireland Cheltenham Festival Wins (1): Weatherbys Champion Bumper (2004 Total Enjoyment) Year of First Licence: 1998

Winning Jocke: James Hugh Culloty Born: December 18, 1973 Racing Weight: 10st Cheltenham Festival Wins: (4) ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES’ CHASE (2000 Lord Noelie), TOTE CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP (2002, 2003 Best Mate), WEATHERBYS CHAMPION BUMPER (2004 Total Enjoyment) Big Race Wins: MARTELL COGNAC GRAND NATIONAL (2002 Bindaree), KING GEORGE VI CHASE (2003 Edredon Bleu), PETERBOROUGH CHASE (1998, 1999 and 2000 Edredon Bleu, 2002 Best Mate), NOVEMBER NOVICES’ CHASE (2000 Best Mate), SCILLY ISLES NOVICES’ CHASE (2001 Best Mate), HALDON GOLD CUP (2001 Best Mate), ERICSSON CHASE (2003 Best Mate) Number of Wins (1995/96-2002/03): 40; 32; 31; 34; 42; 43; 51; 56


LEADING NATIONAL HUNT FESTIVAL TRAINERS

2003 Jonjo O’Neill 3 winners

2002 Martin Pipe 3

2001 cancelled

2000 Nicky Henderson 4

1999 Paul Nicholls 3

1998 Martin Pipe 4

1997 Martin Pipe 4

1996 Ferdy Murphy 2
1996 Edward O’Grady IRE
1996 Martin Pipe

1995 David Nicholson 3

1994 David Nicholson 2
1994 Edward O’Grady IRE
1994 Martin Pipe

1993 Nicky Henderson 2
1993 Martin Pipe
1993 Nigel Twiston-Davies

1992 Nicky Henderson 2
1992 David Nicholson
1992 Simon Sherwood

1991 Martin Pipe 3

1990 Nicky Henderson 2

1989 Toby Balding 2
1989 John Edwards
1989 David Elsworth
1989 Josh Gifford
1989 Martin Pipe

1988 Josh Gifford 3

1987 Toby Balding 2
1987 Nicky Henderson
1987 Fred Winter

1986 Nicky Henderson 3

1985 Nicky Henderson 3

1984 Michael Dickinson 3

1983 Michael Dickinson 3

1982 Michael Dickinson 2
1982 Fulke Walwyn

1981 Peter Easterby 3

1980 John Edwards 2
1980 Edward O’Grady IRE
1980 Bob Turnell
1980 Fred Winter

totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP RECORDS (SINCE 1983) OF TRAINERS WITH ENTRIES THIS YEAR

(C - carried out, F - fell, PU - pulled up, UR - unseated rider)




Robert Alner
1998-1 COOL DAWN 25/1

Francois Doumen FR
2003-PU First Gold 33/1
1995-UR Val D'Alene 10/1
1995-UR Algan 16/1
1994-1 THE FELLOW 7/1
1993-4 The Fellow 5/4 Fav
1992-2 The Fellow 7/2
1991-2 The Fellow 28/1
1988-4 Nupsala 8/1

Nicky Henderson
2003-11 Marlborough 20/1
2002-4 Marlborough 12/1
2002-12 Bacchanal 6/1

Michael Hourigan IRE
2003-F Beef Or Salmon 5/1
2000-6 Dorans Pride 40/1
1999-8 Dorans Pride 11/1
1998-3 Dorans Pride 9/4 Fav
1997-3 Dorans Pride 10/1
1994-8 Deep Bramble 20/1

Henrietta Knight
2003-1 BEST MATE 13/8 Fav
2003-7 Chives 25/1
2002-1 BEST MATE 8/1
2002-10 Lord Noelie 16/1
2002-P Go Ballistic 66/1

Noel Meade IRE
2003-3 Harbour Pilot 40/1

Willie Mullins IRE
2002-6 Alexander Banquet 12/1
2002-11 Florida Pearl 10/1
2000-2 Florida Pearl 9/2
1999-3 Florida Pearl 5/2 Fav

Ferdy Murphy
2003-2 Truckers Tavern 33/1
1999-5 Addington Boy 66/1
1993-5 Sibton Abbey 22/1

Jonjo O’Neill
No previous runners

Martin Pipe
2003-9 You’re Agoodun 50/1
2003-12 Modulor 200/1
2002-8 Cyfor Malta 25/1
2002-P Shooting Light 10/1
2000-F Gloria Victis 13/2
1999-PU Unsinkable Boxer 14/1
1998-7 Challenger Du Luc 20/1
1998-C Indian Tracker 150/1
1998-PU Cyborgo 10/1
1997-5 Challenger Du Luc 16/1
1997-8 Cyborgo 12/1
1996-PU Lord Relic 100/1
1995-3 Miinnehoma 20/1
1994-7 Miinnehoma 11/1
1994-9 Run For Free 11/1
1994-11 Chatam 33/1
1994-PU Capability Brown 200/1
1993-2 Rushing Wild 11/1
1993-8 Run For Free 11/1
1993-11 Chatam 10/1
1992-5 Carvill's Hill Evens Fav
1990-8 Bonanza Boy 15/2
1989-4 Bonanza Boy 15/2
1988-3 Beau Ranger 33/1

MOST SUCCESSFUL TRAINERS IN THE totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP

5 Tom Dreaper IRE (1946 Prince Regent, 1964, 1965 and 1966 Arkle, 1968 Fort Leney)
4 Basil Briscoe (1932, 1933, 1934 and 1935 Golden Miller)
Vincent O’Brien IRE (1948, 1949 and 1950 Cottage Rake, 1953 Knock Hard)
Fulke Walwyn (1952 Mont Tremblant, 1962 Mandarin, 1963 Mill House, 1973 The Dikler)
3 Owen Anthony (1927 Thrown In, 1936 Golden Miller, 1940 Roman Hackle)
2 Ivor Anthony (1938 Morse Code, 1941 Poet Prince)
Jack Anthony (1929 and 1930 Easter Hero)
George Beeby (1939 Brendan’s Cottage, 1951 Silver Fame)
Noel Chance (1997 Mr Mulligan, 2000 Looks Like Trouble)
Michael Dickinson (1982 Silver Buck, 1983 Bregawn)
Peter Easterby (1979 Alverton, 1981 Little Owl)
Henrietta Knight (2002 and 2003 Best Mate)
Dan Moore IRE (1970 and 1971 L’Escargot)

MOST SUCCESSFUL TRAINERS IN THE SMURFIT CHAMPION HURDLE

5 Peter Easterby (1967 Saucy Kit, 1976 and 1977 Night Nurse, 1980 and 1981 Sea Pigeon)
4 Vic Smyth (1941 Seneca, 1942 Forestation, 1947 and 1948 National Spirit)
Fred Winter (1971 and 1972 Bula, 1974 Lanzarote, 1988 Celtic Shot)
3 Colin Davies (1968, 1969 and 1970 Persian War)
Nicky Henderson (1985, 1986 and 1987 See You Then)
Aidan O’Brien (1998, 1999 and 2000 Istabraq)
Vincent O’Brien IRE (1949, 1950 and 1951 Hatton’s Grace)
Ryan Price (1955 Clair Soleil, 1959 Fare Time, 1961 Eborneezer)
Willie Stephenson (1952, 1953 and 1954 Sir Ken)

MOST SUCCESSFUL TRAINERS IN THE QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE

6 Tom Dreaper IRE (1960 and 1961 Fortria, 1964 Ben Stack, 1966 Flyingbolt, 1969 Muir, 1970 Straight Fort)
3 Michael Dickinson (1982 Rathgorman, 1983 and 1984 Badsworth Boy)

TRAINERS WHO HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN THE totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP AND THE SMURFIT CHAMPION HURDLE IN THE SAME YEAR

1930 Jack Anthony (Champion Hurdle - Easter Hero / Brown Tony - Gold Cup)
1932 Basil Briscoe (Golden Miller / Insurance)
1933 Basil Briscoe (Golden Miller / Insurance)
1940 Owen Anthony (Roman Hackle / Solford)
1949 Vincent O’Brien IRE (Cottage Rake / Hatton’s Grace)
1950 Vincent O’Brien IRE (Cottage Rake / Hatton’s Grace)
1962 Fulke Walwyn (Mandarin / Anzio)
1981 Peter Easterby (Little Owl / Sea Pigeon)
1995 Kim Bailey (Master Oats / Alderbrook)
No trainer has ever won the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, Smurfit Champion Hurdle and Queen Mother Champion Chase in the same season.

McCOY OUT IN FRONT

Following Charlie Swan’s retirement in April, champion Tony McCoy - whose tally of National Hunt Festival wins rose to 15 following Well Chief’s success in The Irish Independent Arkle Chase yesterday - is the most successful current jockey at the Festival.

McCoy is closely followed by Mick FitzGerald, who has 11 successes to his name, and Richard Johnson with nine victories. But Barry Geraghty was the jockey to follow at the Festival last year, when he won an amazing five races to add to his only previous success.

The previous winners of The Daily Telegraph Award for leading National Hunt Festival rider are listed below, with current jockeys in bold. (On some occasions the winner was decided on the number of placed horses achieved):

2003 Barry Geraghty (5)
2002 Richard Johnson (2)
2001 Cancelled - foot & mouth
2000 Mick FitzGerald (4)
1999 Mick FitzGerald (4)
1998 Tony McCoy (5)
1997 Tony McCoy (3)
1996 Richard Dunwoody (2)
1995 Norman Williamson (4)
1994 Charlie Swan (3)
1993 Charlie Swan (4)
1992 Jamie Osborne (5)


THE MOST SUCCESSFUL totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP JOCKEYS

Pat Taaffe 4 (1964, 1965 and 1966 Arkle, 1968 Fort Leney)
Tommy Carberry 3* (1970 and 1971 L’Escargot, 1975 Ten Up)
Aubrey Brabazon 3 (1948, 1949 and 1950 Cottage Rake)
Dick Rees 3 (1924 Red Splash, 1928 Patron Saint, 1929 Easter Hero)
* In 1980, Tommy Carberry was first past the post on Tied Cottage, who was subsequently disqualified for failing a dope test. Master Smudge was then installed as the winner.

Jim Culloty is going for a third successive totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup win on Best Mate this year.

THE MOST SUCCESSFUL SMURFIT CHAMPION HURDLE JOCKEYS

Tim Molony 4 (1951 Hatton’s Grace, 1952, 1953 and 1954 Sir Ken)
Steve Smith Eccles 3 (1985, 1986 and 1987 See You Then)
Ron Smyth 3 (1941 Seneca, 1942 Forestation, 1948 National Spirit)
Charlie Swan 3 (1998, 1999 and 2000 Istabraq)
Jimmy Uttley 3 (1968, 1969 and 1970 Persian War)
Fred Winter 3 (1955 Clair Soleil, 1959 Fare Time, 1961 Eborneezer)

THE MOST SUCCESSFUL QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE JOCKEYS

Pat Taaffe 5 (1960 and 1961 Fortria, 1964 Ben Stack, 1966 Flyingbolt, 1970
Straight Fort)
Robert Earnshaw 3 (1983, 1984 and 1985 Badsworth Boy)
Tommy Carmody 2 (1978 Hilly Way, 1986 Buck House)
Dave Dick 2 (1962 Piperton, 1965 Dunkirk)
Mouse Morris 2 (1976 and 1977 Skymas)
Frank ‘Bonky’ Nash 2 (1967 and 1968 Drinny’s Double)
Bill Smith 2 (1972 and 1974 Royal Relief)

THE SMURFIT CHAMPION HURDLE / totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP DOUBLE

1929 Dick Rees (Champion - Royal Falcon, Gold Cup - Easter Hero)
1930 Tom Cullinan (Brown Tony/Easter Hero)
1932 Ted Leader (Insurance/Golden Miller)
1933 Bill Stott (Insurance/Golden Miller)
1935 Gerry Wilson (Lion Courage/Golden Miller)
1949 Aubrey Brabazon (Hatton’s Grace/Cottage Rake)
1950 Aubrey Brabazon (Hatton’s Grace/Cottage Rake)
1953 Tim Molony (Sir Ken/Knock Hard)
1961 Fred Winter (Eborneezer/Saffron Tartan)
1995 Norman Williamson (Alderbrook/Master Oats)
1997 Tony McCoy (Make A Stand/Mr Mulligan)
No jockey has ever ridden the winners of the Smurfit Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase and totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup at the same Festival.

LLEWELLYN’S MOUNTS FOR TOMORROW

Carl Llewellyn has not had a winner at the National Hunt Festival since he gave Rubhahunish a brilliant ride in the Pertemps Final in 2000. He is hoping that he can gain his seventh success at the Festival today or tomorrow.

Speaking about his rides on Thursday, he said: “I ride Border Tale in the JCB Triumph Hurdle. I’ve ridden him on soft ground [when pulled up at Warwick on December 20] which he doesn’t like - he gave me a good feel until three out.

“He was third at Kempton [in January] looking like the winner at one stage. He’s got to find a bit on the book but he’s a decent horse and conditions should suit.

“Redemption has been declared for the bonusprint.com Stayers’ Hurdle but he runs today in the Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle and may well run tomorrow if there’s a mishap today.

“I’ll be on Balapour in the Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle and I sat on him the other morning. He was second in the same race last year and he ran well at Leopardstown last time carrying almost 12st and giving weight to the winner [Harchibald].

“A fast run pace suits him and he gets the trip well. Hopefully he can go one better than last year.”


THEREALBANDIT

Speaking about totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup hopeful, Therealbandit, champion trainer Martin Pipe said: “It was a difficult decision as to which of Mr Johnson’s two horses, Therealbandit and Our Vic, ran in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

“We didn’t want to run them in the same novices’ chase and as they were first and second favourite for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase, we chose the shortest priced one which was Therealbandit to go for the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup - that was it simply.

“When Therealbandit fell last time in the Pillar Property Chase, it could have happened anywhere. Any horse could fall - who knows he could have been second there or could have won.

“Our thoughts go out to Jair Du Cochet [the winner of that contest who has subsequently died] and the owner, Mr Macaire and Jacques Ricou.

“It’s a tough task for Therealbandit and he’s in fine form.”

BETTING TAX FROZEN

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, today announced that he was freezing betting tax in the Budget.

He added that he was examining the taxation of betting exchanges and those that use them.

totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP FACTS

1. The Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup is the most valuable non-handicap chase in Britain. The total prize money for the 2004 running will be £350,000.

2. The first Cheltenham Gold Cup was a three-mile Flat race in 1819, won by a Mr Bodenham’s Spectre. The chase as we now know it was introduced in 1924, and won that year by Red Splash. The winning prize money was just £700.

3. Golden Miller holds the record for the most Gold Cup victories, with five consecutive wins from 1932-36. The race is fiercely competitive - so much so that before Best Mate in 2002 and 2003, the last horse to win twice was L’Escargot in 1970 and 1971.

4. Golden Miller’s owner, Dorothy Paget, is also the most successful owner in the race with an amazing seven victories, with Roman Hackle (1940) and Mont Tremblant (1952) adding to Golden Miller’s five wins.

5. The most successful trainer is Tom Dreaper, who won five Gold Cups with three separate horses, namely Prince Regent (1946), Arkle (1964-66) and Fort Leney (1968).

6. Tony McCoy’s Smurfit Champion Hurdle/Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup double in 1997 on Make A Stand and Mr Mulligan was the 11th time that the big-race double has been achieved by one jockey in the same year. The other jockeys to have achieved the feat were Dick Rees (1929), Tom Cullinan (1930), Ted Leader (1932), Bill Stott (1933), Gerry Wilson (1935), Aubrey Brabazon (1949 and 1950), Tim Molony (1953), Fred Winter (1961) and Norman Williamson (1995).

7. Alderbrook and Master Oats in 1995 enabled Norman Williamson and Kim Bailey to join a very select group of jockey and trainer partnerships who have won both the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup in the same year. The other partnerships were Tom Cullinan and Jack Anthony in 1930, Ted Leader and Basil Briscoe in 1932, Bill Stott and Basil Briscoe in 1933, and Aubrey Brabazon and Vincent O’Brien in both 1949 and 1950.

8. Dawn Run is the only horse to have won both the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup. She was successful in 1984 and 1986 respectively.

9. The longest-priced winner of the Gold Cup is Norton’s Coin, who started at 100/1 in 1990, while the shortest-priced winner was Arkle, the 1/10 favourite in 1966.

10. The last grey Gold Cup winner was Desert Orchid in 1989.

11. The Tote have sponsored the Cheltenham Gold Cup since 1980 and the present contract includes the 2005 running.

12. In the Gold Cup's history only six horses have won more than once, and the most recent of them is Best Mate in 2002 and 2003. The others were L'Escargot (1970/71) Easter Hero (1929/30), Golden Miller (1932/33/34/35/36), Cottage Rake (1948/49/50) and Arkle (1964/65/66). Their successes were all in consecutive years.

13. The last 22 runnings have seen seven 9-year-olds, seven 8-year-olds, five 10-year-olds and three 7-year-olds be successful. The last horse over the age of 10 to win was 12-year-old What A Myth in 1969.

14. Only five of the last 22 favourites in the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup have justified the market confidence - Best Mate in 2003, Master Oats in 1995, Desert Orchid in 1989, Dawn Run in 1986 and Bregawn in 1983. Four of the last five favourites have reached the frame or won - See More Business was fourth in 2000, Florida Pearl third in 1999 and Dorans Pride third in 1998.

15. The two Irish-trained winners in the last 22 runnings were Imperial Call in 1996 and Dawn Run ten years before that. Irish-trained horses did better between 1946 and 1977 when 16 successes were achieved. The only French–trained winner was The Fellow in 1994 while there has also been a Welsh-trained victor in Norton’s Coin (1990).

BEST MATE (IRE) FACTFILE
8 b g Un Desperado (FR) - Katday (FR) (Miller’s Mate)
Form: 11221/1112/1221/11-21 Owner: Jim Lewis Trainer: Henrietta Knight Jockey: Jim Culloty Breeder: Jacques Van’t Hart

Best Mate
Best Mate is the greatest steeplechaser of recent years and last season became the first horse since L’Escargot in 1970 and 1971 to win the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup twice. He is odds-on favourite to win chasing’s Blue Riband for a third time on Thursday, March 18, something last achieved by the great Arkle from 1964 to 1966. Bred by Dutchman Jacques Van’t Hart in Ireland, Best Mate was sold as a foal for just Ir2,500gns at Tattersalls (Ireland) in 1995, passing into the care of Tom Costello, the famed Irish horse dealer from Newmarket-On-Fergus in County Clare, who has sold five totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup winners in addition to Best Mate - Midnight Court, The Thinker, Cool Ground, Imperial Call and Cool Dawn. Best Mate’s dam Katday, who was bought from Van’t Hart for Ir5,500gns at Goffs in 1996 by Vincent O’Brien’s son-in-law Philip Myerscough, has proved an outstanding broodmare. She is the dam of useful hurdler Inca Trail, Grade 1 novice hurdle winner Cornish Rebel, Inexorable, an Irish point-to-point winner who has gone on to win two Grade 3 novice hurdles for trainer David Wachman having been bought for 185,000gns at Doncaster in 2002, and Edward O’Grady’s Weatherbys Champion Bumper possible Sidalcea. Best Mate himself was first seen in a point-to-point at Lismore in February, 1999, when spotted by Henrietta Knight and Terry Biddlecombe but Tom Costello insisted the horse win between the flags - which he duly did at Tuam in Co Galway - before heading to Britain. His record under Rules is outstanding, having been in the first two on all his 18 starts. In his first season in Britain, 1999/2000, he landed a bumper at Cheltenham on his first start, then took a Sandown novices’ hurdle, finished runner-up to Sausalito Bay in the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival and won the Grade 2 Martell Cognac Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree. There followed three straight novice chase victories, including the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown, before reverting to the smaller obstacles for his final run when runner-up to Barton in the Grade 1 Martell Cognac Aintree Hurdle. The 2001/2002 season began with a success in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter, followed by second place in Ascot’s First National Gold Cup and he had to again settle for the runner-up spot behind Florida Pearl in the Pertemps King George VI Chase. He was then put away until Cheltenham when proving himself one of the most exciting chasers of recent years by landing the 2002 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup by a length and three quarters from Commanche Court. Last season on his first outing he beat Douze Douze by eight lengths in the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon and then landed the Pertemps King George VI Chase at Kempton by a length and a half from Marlborough. He gained his second totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup success in March, easily beating Truckers Tavern by 10 lengths. The current campaign began with a surprise eight-length defeat by Jair Du Cochet in the Peterborough Chase on November 22, when connections were adamant that conditions were too muddy for their charge. Normal service was quickly resumed when he won his last start in the Ericsson Chase at Leopardstown just after Christmas by nine lengths from Le Coudray.
Race Record: Starts: 18; 1st: 12; 2nd: 6; 3rd: 0; Win & Place prize money: £761,665

Jim Lewis
There have been few more fortuitous owners in recent years than ‘Lucky’ Jim Lewis, the former managing director of the Silentnight bed company, whose maroon and light blue stripes colours reflect his love of Aston Villa FC. Best Mate, winner of the both the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2002 and 2003 as well as the Pertemps King George VI Chase in 2002 and Ericsson Chase in 2003, is the best horse he has owned but there have been several other stars, including Edredon Bleu, winner of the 2000 Queen Mother Champion Chase, 2003 Pertemps King George VI Chase and 1998 Grand Annual Chase, and Nakir, who was trained by Simon Christian to take the 1994 Arkle Chase. Lewis, 70, is only allowed to the West Lockinge yard of his trainer Henrietta Knight in the summer when the horses are away due to the trainer’s superstitions and exchanges faxes with her for news on his horses. Before selling his farm in Worcestershire a couple of years ago, he and wife Valerie had all their horses home for the summer. He became an owner with Knight after reading an article in ‘The Tatler’ about the trainer, entitled ‘Queen of the Point-To-Points’ and wrote to ask if she would train a horse for him.
Previous totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup wins: 2002 & 2003 BEST MATE

Henrietta Knight
It was only in 1989 that Henrietta Knight took out a full training licence on the family farm at West Lockinge near Wantage in Oxfordshire but in that time she has become one of the country’s foremost National Hunt trainers. It is with Best Mate that Knight will always be associated. The former Irish point-to-pointer was bought by Jim Lewis, one of Knight’s earliest supporters, in 1999 and has gone on to deliver a string of big-race successes including the last two totesport Cheltenham Gold Cups. Best Mate will this year bid to become the first horse since the legendary Arkle in the 1960s to win chasing’s Blue Riband three times. Henrietta Knight was born on December 15, 1946, and had an affinity with horses from an early age. She got an early taste for training when sharpening up a retired chaser, Rowland Ward, owned by her mother, to win the members’ race at the 1964 Old Berkshire Hunt point-to-point at Lockinge. She became involved in the eventing world and rode Blitzkrieg to finish 12th at Badminton in 1973, going on to become a judge at Burghley and then chairing the British three-day event Olympic selection committee from 1984 until 1988. Knight had also qualified as a schoolteacher and spent four years teaching history and biology locally at St Mary’s, Wantage, before setting up a horse livery business in 1974, initially breaking in horses for Tim Forster and later other trainers such as Fred Winter and Michael Dickinson. She also began training point-to-pointers and had over 100 winners in that sphere before taking out a full training licence in 1989, enjoying her first success when The Grey Gunner won a novice chase at Bangor on August 18 that year. Knight met former champion jockey Terry Biddlecombe, one of the idols of her youth, in 1993 and the following year he moved in to West Lockinge and the pair now very much operate as a team, training among a menagerie of animals at the converted farm. A first National Hunt Festival success came in 1997 when Karshi, owned by the Cheltenham racecourse chairman and Knight’s brother-in-law Lord Vestey, landed the bonusprint.com Stayers’ Hurdle. As well as Best Mate’s two Gold Cups, Knight has enjoyed other successes at the Festival via Edredon Bleu in the 1998 Grand Annual Chase and 2000 Queen Mother Champion Chase and with Lord Noelie in the 2000 Royal & SunAlliance Chase. Away from the Cheltenham Festival, her biggest wins have included this season’s Pertemps King George VI Chase with Edredon Bleu, who also won Huntingdon’s Peterborough Chase for four years from 1998 to 2001. Maximize landed the 2001 Feltham Novices’ Chase for the stable while Best Mate’s big wins include the 2000 Martell Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree, the 2000 Independent Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham, 2001 Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown, 2001 Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter, 2002 Peterborough Chase, 2002 Pertemps King George VI Chase and this season’s Ericsson Chase at Leopardstown.

Previous totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup runners: 2002 BEST MATE (WON), Lord Noelie (10th), Go Ballistic (PU), 2003 BEST MATE (WON), Chives (7th)

Jim Culloty
James Hugh Culloty, the son of an accountant, was born in Killarney, Ireland, on December 18, 1973. He is unlikely to forget last Christmas when won the Pertemps King George VI Chase at Kempton on Edredon Bleu and the Ericsson Chase on Best Mate. In 2002 he joined a select band of riders to have won the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup and Martell Cognac Grand National in the same season. The Cheltenham victory came aboard Best Mate and the Aintree success was on Bindaree, a chance ride following an injury to regular rider Jamie Goldstein. Last season he added a second totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup to his CV when Best Mate triumphed again. Culloty is stable jockey to Henrietta Knight, having rapidly risen to prominence in the 1995/6 season as an amateur rider, with 40 winners. Having ridden for John Jenkins in his school holidays, Culloty came over to Britain on a more permanent basis in 1993, riding first for David Bloomfield’s point-to-point yard, also partnered a winner at Les Landes in Jersey during the 1994/5 season, and rode for Jackie Retter before joining Knight. Culloty turned professional at the start of the 1996/7 season and his big-race victories include the 2000 Royal & SunAlliance Chase at the Cheltenham Festival on Lord Noelie. He is due to marry Susie Samworth, an amateur rider, later this year.

Previous totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup win: 2002 & 2003 BEST MATE

Previous results - totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP

2003-BEST MATE 8-12-00 Owner-Jim Lewis; Trainer-Henrietta Knight; Jockey-Jim Culloty; SP-13/8F
2ND-Truckers Tavern 8-12-00 Owner-Mrs M B & Ray Scholey; Trainer-Ferdy Murphy; Jockey-Davy Russell; SP-33/1
3RD- Harbour Pilot 8-12-00 Owner-Kays Syndicate; Trainer-Noel Meade IRE; Jockey-Paul Carberry; SP-40/1
15 ran, Time-6m 39.00s, Dist-10, 2 ½

2002-WINNER-BEST MATE 7-12-00 Owner-Jim Lewis; Trainer-Henrietta Knight; Jockey-Jim Culloty; SP-7/1
2ND-Commanche Court 9-12-00 Owner-Dermot Desmond; Trainer-Ted Walsh IRE; Jockey-Ruby Walsh; SP-25/1
3RD-See More Business 12-12-00 Owner-Sir Robert Ogden and Paul Barber; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Joe Tizzard; SP-40/1 18 ran, Time-6m 50.10s, Dist-1 3/4, 8 9/2 Fav Looks Like Trouble (13th)

2001-Cancelled

2000-WINNER-LOOKS LIKE TROUBLE 8-12-00 Owner-Tim Collins; Trainer-Noel Chance; Jockey-Richard Johnson; SP-9/2
2ND-Florida Pearl 8-12-00 Owner-Violet O’Leary; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Paul Carberry; SP-9/2
3RD-Strong Promise 9-12-00 Owner-Exors of the Late Geoff Hubbard; Trainer-Chris Kinane; Jockey-Robert Thornton; SP-20/1 12 ran, Time-6m 30.3s, Dist-5, nk 9/4 Fav See More Business (4th)

1999-WINNER-SEE MORE BUSINESS 9-12-00 Owner-Paul Barber and John Keighley; Trainer-Paul Nicholls; Jockey-Mick Fitzgerald; SP-16/1
2ND-Go Ballistic 10-12-00 Owner-Sheila Lockhart; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Tony Dobbin; SP-66/1
3RD-Florida Pearl 7-12-00 Owner-Violet O’Leary; Trainer-Willie Mullins IRE; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-5/2 Fav
12 ran, Time-6m 41.9s, Dist-1, 17

1998-WINNER-COOL DAWN 10-12-00 Owner-Hon. Dido Harding; Trainer-Robert Alner; Jockey-Andrew Thornton; SP-25/1
2ND-Strong Promise 7-12-00 Owner-Geoff Hubbard; Trainer-Geoff Hubbard; Jockey-Norman Williamson; SP-14/1
3RD-Dorans Pride 9-12-00 Owner-Tom Doran; Trainer-Michael Hourigan IRE; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-9/4 Fav 17 ran, Time-6m 39.7s, Dist-1¾, hd

1997-WINNER-MR MULLIGAN 9-12-00 Owner-Michael and Gerry Worcester; Trainer-Noel Chance; Jockey-Tony McCoy; SP-20/1
2ND-Barton Bank 11-12-00 Owner-Jenny Mould; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-David Walsh; SP-33/1
3RD-Dorans Pride 8-12-00 Owner-Tom Doran; Trainer-Michael Hourigan IRE; Jockey-Shane Broderick; SP-10/1
14 ran, Time-6m 35.5s, Dist-9, ½ 4/1 Fav Imperial Call (pu)

1996-WINNER-IMPERIAL CALL 7-12-00 Owner-Lisselan Farms Ltd; Trainer-Fergie Sutherland IRE; Jockey-Conor O’Dwyer; SP-9/2
2ND-Rough Quest 10-12-00 Owner-Andrew Wates and Lady Wates; Trainer-Terry Casey; Jockey-Mick Fitzgerald; SP-12/1
3RD-Couldnt Be Better 9-12-00 Owner-Dick Whittle; Trainer-Charlie Brooks; Jockey-Graham Bradley; SP-11/1
10 ran, Time-6m 42.5s Dist-4,19 11/8 Fav One Man (6th)

1995-WINNER-MASTER OATS 9-12-00 Owner-Paul Matthews; Trainer-Kim Bailey; Jockey-Norman Williamson; SP-100/30 Fav
2ND-Dubacilla 9-11-09 Owner-Henry Cole; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Dean Gallagher; SP-20/1
3RD-Miinnehoma 12-12-00 Owner-Freddie Starr; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-9/1
15 ran, Time-6m 56.20s Dist-15,15

1994-WINNER-THE FELLOW 9-12-00 Owner-Marquesa de Moratalla; Trainer-Francois Doumen FR; Jockey-Adam Kondrat; SP-7/1
2ND-Jodami 9-12-00 Owner-John Yeadon; Trainer-Peter Beaumont; Jockey-Mark Dwyer; SP-6/4 Fav
3RD-Young Hustler 7-12-00 Owner-Gavin MacEchern; Trainer-Nigel Twiston-Davies; Jockey-Carl Llewellyn; SP-20/1
15 ran, Time-6m 40.6s Dist-1½,4

1993-WINNER-JODAMI 8-12-00 Owner-John Yeadon; Trainer-Peter Beaumont; Jockey-Mark Dwyer; SP-8/1
2ND-Rushing Wild 8-12-00 Owner-Hunt & Co (Bournemouth) Ltd; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-11/1
3RD-Royal Athlete 10-12-00 Owner-Garry & Libby Johnson; Trainer-Jenny Pitman; Jockey-Ben de Haan; SP-66/1
16 ran, Time-6m 34.7sDist-2, 7 5/4 Fav The Fellow(4th)

1992-WINNER-COOL GROUND 10-12-00 Owner-Whitcombe Manor Racing Stables Ltd; Trainer-Toby Balding; Jockey-Adrian Maguire; SP-25/1
2ND-The Fellow 7-12-00 Owner-Marquesa de Moratalla; Trainer-Francois Doumen FR; Jockey-Adam Kondrat; SP-7/2
3RD-Docklands Express 10-12-00 Owner-R H Baines; Trainer-Kim Bailey; Jockey-Mark Perrett; SP-16/1
8 ran, Time-6m 47.5s, Dist-sh, 1 Evens Fav Carvill's Hill(5th)

1991-WINNER-GARRISON SAVANNAH 8-12-00 Owner-Autofour Engineering; Trainer-Jenny Pitman; Jockey-Mark Pitman; SP-16/1
2ND-The Fellow 6-12-00 Owner-Marquesa de Moratalla; Trainer-Francois Doumen FR; Jockey-Adam Kondrat SP-28/1
3RD-Desert Orchid 12-12-00 Owner-Richard Burridge; Trainer-David Elsworth; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-4/1
14 ran, Time-6m 49.8s, Dist-sh,15 5/2 Fav Celtic Shot (7th)

1990-WINNER-NORTON'S COIN 9-12-00 Owner-Sirrell Griffiths; Trainer-Sirrell Griffiths; Jockey-Graham McCourt; SP-100/1
2ND-Toby Tobias 8-12-00 Owner-Elizabeth Hitchins; Trainer-Jenny Pitman; Jockey-Mark Pitman; SP-8/1
3RD-Desert Orchid 11-12-00 Owner-Richard Burridge; Trainer-David Elsworth; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-10/11 Fav
12 ran, Time-6m 30.9s, Dist-¾, 4

1989-WINNER-DESERT ORCHID 10-12-00 Owner-Richard Burridge; Trainer-David Elsworth; Jockey-Simon Sherwood; SP-5/2 Fav
2ND-Yahoo 8-12-00 Owner-Alan Parker; Trainer-John Edwards; Jockey-Tom Morgan; SP-25/1
3RD-Charter Party 11-12-00 Owner-Jenny Mould; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-14/1
13 ran, Time-7m 17.6s, Dist-1½,8

1988-WINNER-CHARTER PARTY 10-12-00 Owner-Claire Smith and Jenny Mould; Trainer-David Nicholson; Jockey-Richard Dunwoody; SP-10/1
2ND-Cavvies Clown 8-12-00 Owner-Mrs J Ollivant; Trainer-David Elsworth; Jockey-Simon Sherwood; SP-6/1
3RD-Beau Ranger 10-12-00 Owner-White Bros (Taunton) Ltd; Trainer-Martin Pipe; Jockey-Peter Scudamore;
SP-33/1 15 ran, Time-6m 58.9s, Dist-6,10 100/30 Fav Playschool (pu)

1987-WINNER-THE THINKER 9-12-00 Owner-T P M McDonagh Ltd; Trainer-Arthur Stephenson; Jockey-Ridley Lamb; SP-13/2
2ND-Cybrandian 9-12-00 Owner-Ian Bray; Trainer-Peter Easterby; Jockey-Chris Grant; SP-25/1
3RD-Door Latch 9-12-00 Owner-Jim Joel; Trainer-Josh Gifford; Jockey-Richard Rowe; SP-9/1
12 ran, Time-6m 56.1s, Dist-1½,2½. 5/4 Fav Forgive `N Forget (7th)

1986-WINNER-DAWN RUN 8-11-09 Owner-Charmian Hill; Trainer-Paddy Mullins IRE; Jockey-Jonjo O'Neill; SP-15/8 Fav
2ND-Wayward Lad 11-12-00 Owner-Shirley Thewlis; Trainer-Monica Dickinson; Jockey-Graham Bradley; SP-8/1
3RD-Forgive'N Forget 9-12-00 Owner-T Kilroe & Sons Ltd; Trainer-Jimmy FitzGerald; Jockey-Mark Dwyer; SP-7/2
11 ran, Time-6m 35.3s, Dist-1, 2½

1985-WINNER-FORGIVE'N FORGET 8-12-00 Owner-T Kilroe & Sons Ltd; Trainer-Jimmy FitzGerald; Jockey-Mark Dwyer; SP-7/1
2ND-Righthand Man 8-12-00 Owner-Muriel Haggas; Trainer-Monica Dickinson; Jockey-Graham Bradley; SP-15/2
3RD-Earls Brig 10-12-00 Owner-Billy Hamilton; Trainer-Billy Hamilton; Jockey-Phil Tuck; SP-13/2
15 ran, Time-6m 48.3s, Dist-1½, 2½. 4/1 Fav Combs Ditch (7th)

1984-WINNER-BURROUGH HILL LAD 8-12-00 Owner-Stan Riley; Trainer-Jenny Pitman; Jockey-Phil Tuck; SP-7/2
2ND-Brown Chamberlin 9-12-00 Owner-Coral Samuel; Trainer-Fred Winter; Jockey-John Francome; SP-5/1
3RD-Drumlargan 10-12-00 Owner-Michael Cuddy; Trainer-Edward O'Grady IRE; Jockey-Mr Frank Codd; SP-16/1
12 ran, Time-6m 41.4, Dist-3,8. 6/4 Fav Wayward Lad(pu)

1983-WINNER-BREGAWN 9-12-00 Owner-James Kennelly; Trainer-Michael Dickinson; Jockey-Graham Bradley; SP-100/30 Fav
2ND-Captain John 9-12-00 Owner-F Emami; Trainer-Michael Dickinson; Jockey-David Goulding; SP-11/1
3RD-Wayward Lad 8-12-00 Owner-Shirley Thewlis; Trainer-Michael Dickinson; Jockey-Jonjo O'Neill; SP-6/1
11 ran, Time-6m 57.6s, Dist-5, 1½

1982-WINNER-SILVER BUCK 10-12-00 Owner-Christine Feather; Trainer-Michael Dickinson; Jockey-Robert Earnshaw; SP-8/1
2ND-Bregawn 8-12-00 Owner-M Kennelly; Trainer-Michael Dickinson; Jockey-Graham Bradley; SP-18/1
3RD-Sunset Cristo 8-12-00 Owner-Carol Hawkey; Trainer-Raymond Hawkey; Jockey-Chris Grant; SP-100/1
22 ran, Time-7m 11.2s, Dist-2,12 11/4 Fav Night Nurse (pu)

TOTE CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP ROLL OF HONOUR

(Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup since 1980, Piper Champagne Cheltenham Gold Cup 1975-1979, no sponsor before 1975)

Year Winner Age/Wt Jockey Trainer Owner SP Ran
2003 Best Mate 8-12-00 Jim Culloty Henrietta Knight Jim Lewis 13/8F 15
2002 Best Mate 7-12-00 Jim Culloty Henrietta Knight Jim Lewis 7/1 18
2001 No Race (Foot and Mouth)
2000 Looks Like Trouble 8-12-00 Richard Johnson Noel Chance Tim Collins 9/2 12
1999 See More Business 9-12-00 Mick Fitzgerald Paul Nicholls Paul Barber/John Keighley 16/1 12
1998 Cool Dawn 10-12-00 Andrew Thornton Robert Alner Hon. Miss Dido Harding 25/1 17
1997 Mr Mulligan 9-12-00 Tony McCoy Noel Chance Michael & Gerry Worcester 20/1 14
1996 Imperial Call 7-12-00 Conor O’Dwyer Fergie Sutherland IRE Lisselan Farms Ltd 9/2 10
1995 Master Oats 9-12-00 Norman Williamson Kim Bailey Paul Matthews 100/30F 15
1994 The Fellow 9-12-00 Adam Kondrat Francois Doumen FR Marquesa De Moratalla 7/1 15
1993 Jodami 8-12-00 Mark Dwyer Peter Beaumont John Yeadon 8/1 16
1992 Cool Ground 10-12-00 Adrian Maguire Toby Balding Whitcombe Manor Racing Stables 25/1 8
1991 Garrison Savannah 8-12-00 Mark Pitman Jenny Pitman Autofour Engineering 16/1 14
1990 Norton’s Coin 9-12-00 Graham McCourt Sirrell Griffiths Sirrell Griffiths 100/1 12
1989 Desert Orchid 10-12-00 Simon Sherwood David Elsworth Richard Burridge 5/2F 13
1988 Charter Party 10-12-00 Richard Dunwoody David Nicholson Claire Smith & Jenny Mould 10/1 15
1987 The Thinker 9-12-00 Ridley Lamb Arthur Stephenson T P M McDonagh Ltd 13/2 12
1986 Dawn Run 8-11-09 Jonjo O'Neill Paddy Mullins IRE Charmian Hill 15/8F 11
1985 Forgive N' Forget 8-12-00 Mark Dwyer Jimmy FitzGerald T Kilroe and Sons Ltd 7/1 15
1984 Burrough Hill Lad 8-12-00 Phil Tuck Jenny Pitman Stan Riley 7/2 12
1983 Bregawn 9-12-00 Graham Bradley Michael Dickinson James Kennelly 100/30F 11
1982 Silver Buck 10-12-00 Robert Earnshaw Michael Dickinson Christine Feather 8/1 22
1981 Little Owl 7-12-00 Mr Jim Wilson Peter Easterby Robin Wilson 6/1 15
1980 *Master Smudge 8-12-00 Richard Hoare Arthur Barrow Arthur Barrow 14/1 15
1979 Alverton 9-12-00 Jonjo O'Neill Peter Easterby Snailwell Stud Co Ltd 5/1JF 14
1978 Midnight Court 7-12-00 John Francome Fred Winter Olive Jackson 5/2 10
1977 Davy Lad 7-12-00 Dessie Hughes Mick O'Toole IRE Mrs Joe McGowan 14/1 13
1976 Royal Frolic 7-12-00 John Burke Fred Rimell Sir Edward Hanmer 14/1 11
1975 Ten Up 8-12-00 Tommy Carberry Jim Dreaper IRE Anne, Duchess of Westminster 2/1 8
1974 Captain Christy 7-12-00 Bobby Beasley Pat Taaffe IRE Mrs Jane M A Samuel 7/1 7
1973 The Dikler 10-12-00 Ron Barry Fulke Walwyn Mrs D W August 9/1 8
1972 Glencaraig Lady 8-12-00 Frank Berry Francis Flood IRE P Doyle 6/1 12
1971 L'Escargot 8-12-00 Tommy Carberry Dan Moore IRE Raymond Guest 7/2JF 8
1970 L'Escargot 7-12-00 Tommy Carberry Dan Moore IRE Raymond Guest 33/1 12
1969 What A Myth 12-12-00 Paul Kelleway Ryan Price Lady Weir 8/1 11
1968 Fort Leney 10-12-00 Pat Taaffe Tom Dreaper IRE Colonel John Thomson 11/2 5
1967 Woodland Venture7-12-00 Terry Biddlecombe Fred Rimell Harry Collins 100/8 8
1966 Arkle 9-12-00 Pat Taaffe Tom Dreaper IRE Anne, Duchess of Westminster 1/10F 5
1965 Arkle 8-12-00 Pat Taaffe Tom Dreaper IRE Anne, Duchess of Westminster 3/10F 4
1964 Arkle 7-12-00 Pat Taaffe Tom Dreaper IRE Anne, Duchess of Westminster 7/4 4
1963 Mill House 6-12-00 Willie Robinson Fulke Walwyn Bill Gollings 7/2F 12
1962 Mandarin 11-12-00 Fred Winter Fulke Walwyn Madame Peggy Hennessy 7/2 10
1961 Saffron Tartan 10-12-00 Fred Winter Don Butchers Colonel Guy Westmacott 2/1F 9
1960 Pas Seul 7-12-00 Bill Rees Bob Turnell John Rogerson 6/1 11
1959 Roddy Owen 10-12-00 Bobby Beasley Danny Morgan IRE Lord Fingall 5/1 11
1958 Kerstin 8-12-00 Stan Hayhurst Verly Bewicke George H Moore 7/1 9
1957 Linwell 9-12-00 Michael Scudamore Charlie Mallon David Brown 100/9 13
1956 Limber Hill 9-12-00 Jimmy Power Bill Dutton John Davey 11/8F 11
1955 Gay Donald 9-12-00 Tony Grantham Jim Ford P J Burt 33/1 9
1954 Four Ten 8-12-00 Tommy Cusack John Roberts A Strange 100/6 6
1953 Knock Hard 9-12-00 Tim Molony Vincent O'Brien IRE Mrs Harry Keogh 11/2 12
1952 Mount Tremblant 6-12-00 Dave Dick Fulke Walwyn Dorothy Paget 8/1 13
1951 Silver Fame 12-12-00 Martin Molony George Beeby Lord Bicester 6/4F 6
1950 Cottage Rake 11-12-00 Aubrey Brabazon Vincent O'Brien IRE Frank Vickerman 5/6F 6
1949 Cottage Rake 10-12-00 Aubrey Brabazon Vincent O'Brien IRE Frank Vickerman 4/6F 6
1948 Cottage Rake 9-12-00 Aubrey Brabazon Vincent O'Brien IRE Frank Vickerman 10/1 12
1947 Fortina 6-12-00 Mr Richard Black Hector Christie Lord Grimthorpe 8/1 12
1946 Prince Regent 11-12-00 Tim Hyde Tom Dreaper IRE Jimmy Rank 4/7F 6
1945 Red Rower 11-12-00 Davy Jones Lord Stalbridge Lord Stalbridge 11/4F 16
1943/1944 No race
1942 Medoc II 8-12-00 Frenchie Nicholson Reg Hobbs Lord Sefton 9/2 12
1941 Poet Prince 9-12-00 Roger Burford Ivor Anthony D Sherbrooke 7/2 10
1940 Roman Hackle 7-12-00 Evan Williams Owen Anthony Dorothy Paget Evs 7
1939 Brendans Cottage 9-12-00 George Owen George Beeby Mrs Arthur Smith-Bingham 8/1 5
1938 Morse Code 9-12-00 Danny Morgan Ivor Anthony Lt Col Dealtry Part 13/2 6
1937 No race (flooded)
1936 Golden Miller 9-12-00 Evan Williams Owen Anthony Dorothy Paget 21/20F 6
1935 Golden Miller 8-12-00 Gerry Wilson Basil Briscoe Dorothy Paget 1/2F 5
1934 Golden Miller 7-12-00 Gerry Wilson Basil Briscoe Dorothy Paget 6/5F 7
1933 Golden Miller 6-12-00 Billy Stott Basil Briscoe Dorothy Paget 4/7F 7
1932 Golden Miller 5-11-05 Ted Leader Basil Briscoe Dorothy Paget 13/2 6
1931 No race (frost)
1930 Easter Hero 10-12-00 Tommy Cullinan Jack Anthony John Hay Whitney 8/11F 4
1929 Easter Hero 9-12-00 Dick Rees Jack Anthony John Hay Whitney 7/4F 10
1928 Patron Saint 5-11-05 Dick Rees Stanley Harrison F W Keen 7/2 7
1927 Thrown In 11-12-00 Hon Hugh Grosvenor Owen Anthony Lord Stalbridge 10/1 8
1926 Koko 8-12-00 Tim Hamey Alfred Bickley Frank Barbour 10/1 8
1925 Ballinode 9-12-00 Ted Leader Frank Morgan IRE J C Bentley 3/1 4
1924 Red Splash 5-11-05 Dick Rees Fred Withington Major Everard Wyndham 5/1 9
*Master Smudge finished second to Tied Cottage, who was subsequently disqualified for failing a post-race urine test

totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup Information

THEREALBANDIT ATTEMPTS TO EMULATE CAPTAIN CHRISTY
totesport Cheltenham Cup contender Therealbandit has to overcome the fact that no novice has won the chasing championship since Captain Christy, trained in Ireland, triumphed in 1974.

Below can be found the record of novices in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup following on from Captain Christy’s victory.

As can be seen, 18 horses since 1975 have attempted to win the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup in their first season of chasing.

The best effort form from a novice in recent years came when Dorans Pride finished third to Mr Mulligan in 1997.

Year Horse Finishing Position SP
1974 CAPTAIN CHRISTY WON 7/1
1975 NO NOVICES RAN
1976 NO NOVICES RAN
1977 Zarib Fell 12/1
Lanzarote Slipped Up 7/2
1978 NO NOVICES RAN
1979 Gaffer 6th 6/1
Night Nurse 7th 6/1
1980 Kas Pulled Up 100/1
Narribinni Pulled Up 100/1
1981 NO NOVICES RAN
1982 NO NOVICES RAN
1983 NO NOVICES RAN
1984 NO NOVICES RAN
1985 Drumadowney 4th 9/1
Boreen Prince 6th 20/1
1986 Von Trappe Fell 25/1
Castle Andrea Pulled Up 500/1
1987 NO NOVICES RAN
1988 NO NOVICES RAN
1989 Carvill’s Hill Fell 5/1
Slalom Unseated Rider 33/1
1990 NO NOVICES RAN
1991 NO NOVICES RAN
1992 NO NOVICES RAN
1993 NO NOVICES RAN
1994 NO NOVICES RAN
1995 NO NOVICES RAN
1996 NO NOVICES RAN
1997 Dorans Pride 3rd 10/1
Cyborgo 8th 12/1
Danoli Fell 7/1
1998 NO NOVICES RAN
1999 Unsinkable Boxer Pulled Up 14/1
2000 Gloria Victis Fell 13/2
2001 No race - foot & mouth
2002 NO NOVICES RAN
2003 Beef Or Salmon Fell 5/1

BEST MATE’S BIG TASK

Best Mate will be attempting to be the first horse since Arkle in 1964, 1965 and 1966 to win the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup three years in a row.

Last year he became the first horse since L’Escargot in 1970 and 1971 to win back-to-back renewals of the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Henrietta Knight’s stable star could not have been more impressive when taking the chasing championship a year ago and after finishing second to Jair Du Cochet in the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon on his seasonal reappearance, looked as good as ever when landing the Ericsson Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Below are the records of how totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup winners since Mill House have performed in the race the following year. As can be seen, in the 39 renewals since 1964, the winner from the previous year ran on 19 occasions, scoring four times (Arkle 1965 & !966), L’Escargot (1971) and Best Mate (2003). During the same period, five winners from the previous year have been placed. The best performances in defeat came from The Dikler (1974) and Jodami (1994), who both came second.

Year Previous Year’s Winner Finishing Position SP
1964 Mill House 2nd 8/13F
1965 ARKLE 1st 30/100F
1966 ARKLE 1st 1/10F
1967 Arkle DID NOT RUN
1968 Woodland Venture DID NOT RUN
1969 Fort Leney DID NOT RUN
1970 What A Myth DID NOT RUN
1971 L’ESCARGOT 1st 7/2JF
1972 L’Escargot 4th 4/1
1973 Glencaraig Lady DID NOT RUN
1974 The Dikler 2nd 5/1
1975 Captain Christy Pulled Up 7/4F
1976 Ten Up DID NOT RUN
1977 Royal Frolic DID NOT RUN
1978 Davy Lad DID NOT RUN
1979 Midnight Court DID NOT RUN
1980 Alverton DID NOT RUN
1981 Master Smudge DID NOT RUN
1982 Little Owl DID NOT RUN
1983 Silver Buck 4th 5/1
1984 Bregawn 6th 10/1
1985 Burrough Hill Lad DID NOT RUN
1986 Forgive ’N Forget 3rd 7/2
1987 Dawn Run DID NOT RUN
1988 The Thinker DID NOT RUN
1989 Charter Party 3rd 14/1
1990 Desert Orchid 3rd 10/11F
1991 Norton’s Coin Fell 16/1
1992 Garrison Savannah DID NOT RUN
1993 Cool Ground 9th 50/1
1994 Jodami 2nd 6/4F
1995 The Fellow DID NOT RUN
1996 Master Oats DID NOT RUN
1997 Imperial Call Pulled Up 4/1F
1998 Mr Mulligan DID NOT RUN
1999 Cool Dawn DID NOT RUN
2000 See More Business 4th 9/4F
2001 No race - foot & mouth
2002 Looks Like Trouble 13th 9/2F*
2003 BEST MATE 1st 13/8F
2004 BEST MATE ? ?
* Looks Like Trouble won the 2000 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup. As there was no race in 2001, he was attempting the back-to-back double in 2002.

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

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