Thursday, March 18, 2004

RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
NATIONAL HUNT FESTIVAL 2004
CHELTENHAM, THURSDAY, MARCH 18

Edward Gillespie said: “Best Mate’s victory in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup was history in the making and we are delighted for everyone who came to enjoy this wonderful occasion.

“The meeting has been a tremendous success and we are looking forward to building on this with a four-day Festival in 2005.”

RECORD WEDNESDAY CROWD
There was a record paying crowd for the Wednesday of the National Hunt Festival when no fewer than 56,542 racegoers thronged into Prestbury Park. This compares with 51,209 for the second day of the meeting last year.

TREMENDOUS CROWD
Tuesday’s paid attendance came to 52,553 compared to 50,838 in 2003, a first-day record.

totepool turnover record - £10 million broken for first time
Today’s totepool turnover came to £3,745,095, up 33% on last year’s third day figure. Turnover during the week came to a record £10,246,075, a new record.

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

totepool RECORDS TUMBLE
Tuesday’s totepool turnover was £2,891,629, up 28 per cent on last year and a record for the first day of the Festival.

RACE THREE TOTESPORT CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP
INITIAL QUOTES

HISTORY MADE BY MATE

Jim Culloty put three fingers into the air after Best Mate won his third successive totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, allowing the photographers their perfect image.

Channel 4's Derek Thompson interviewed the triumphant jockey who said: “We walked the track beforehand and said that the only thing to do was to go down the inner - down the middle was very cut up with no grass on it - so I had to take the gamble as it was much better on the inner.

“At times I wasn’t getting the best of runs but what I lost by doing that I gained by being on the best of the ground.

“No race is a steering job - it is a Gold Cup and there is no quarter given. He battled on really well. I am so relieved. We were a little slow over the last which did not help.”

Trainer Henrietta Knight said: “He’s tough and was brilliantly ridden.”

The 8/11 favourite won by half a length from Sir Rembrandt, with one and a quarter lengths to the third Harbour Pilot.

RACE THREE TOTESPORT CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP
MORE INITIAL QUOTES

JIM LEWIS

Best Mate’s owner Jim Lewis started singing in the winner’s enclosure. He said: “I have just walked into paradise - whatever happens after this, I don’t care if I never see another winner in my entire life because everybody wanted him to win.

“It was a huge, huge responsibility for Henrietta Knight. It is raining and you can rain all you like now.

“We went into the Guinness Village this morning at the racecourse and all my knuckles have gone now because I was so busy shaking hands - all these Irish guys, the Brummies and the Villa supporters.

“Half a length, that’s a mile and a half in paradise.”


RACE THREE TOTESPORT CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP
WINNING QUOTES

THE BEST FOR YEARS

Best Mate became the first horse since Arkle in the 1960s to land three runnings of the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup when holding off a rejuvenated Sir Rembrandt by half a length.

“I just can’t tell you the relief,” admitted trainer Henrietta Knight - who as for the past two years watched the race from the press conference tent next to the weighing room.

“It was much worse this year and I couldn’t watch the first circuit and a half. I was sat in the tent between Edgy (trainer Charles Egerton) and Mick Easterby and had my head in Mick’s lap for much of the race. I didn’t look up until halfway down the straight when Mick told me he was beaten - my heart was in my mouth then. The second has run really well. He had a lovely position but the others were going well and he just dig deeper and deeper.”

“It’s just an immense relief to see him win because everybody in the country wanted him to do it today and I couldn’t bare to let them all down. But he was better than ever beforehand - in real tip-top form.

“The first time he won was wonderful because it was unexpected, the second was a relief but the third was something else. I think I’ll need to be on tranquillisers for the fourth. Everyone goes on about him not running very often but look at the other runners today - most of them have done run much beforehand either. Top horses don’t run that often because there are a limited number of races that they can run in before the championship events.

“I went out on to the course after the Triumph and the ground is quite poached in places so it was not ideal.

Owner Jim Lewis, sporting his trademark Aston Villa scarf, joined in a rendition of the ‘Best Mate’ song during the presentations and revealed that the horse could make another appearance next month.

“Hopefully Hen will be in a good mood when I send her a fax tomorrow morning and I hope she’ll take Best Mate to Punchestown for the Heineken Gold Cup. I’d love her to take my horse back to Ireland, where he came from.

“I think the only guy that was confident we were going to win during the race was Jim Culloty - he’s one cool dude.”


RACE THREE TOTESPORT CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP
WINNING QUOTES

BIDDLECOMBE’S COURSE WALKING PAYS DIVIDEND

Terry Biddlecombe, husband and assistant to Henrietta Knight, admitted that a new set of tactics were hatched for today’s totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup after walking the course on Sunday.

“I got soaked when I walked the course here on Sunday but found there was a strip of ground, about the width of two horses, next to the running rail which nothing had been on,” said Biddlecombe.

“So we had a change of tactics after I told Hen that Jim and I had walked the track and he had agreed with me that we should go up the inner.

“It worked well, we were never off the fence except when he got squeezed off at the last bend and had to come away from the rail. At the second last I thought he would dig deep, which he had to do, and it was a really brilliant ride by Jim Culloty, he was a perfectionist.”

Owner Jim Lewis had suggested that Best Mate might break with tradition and run in next month’s Heineken Gold Cup at Punchestown but Biddlecombe was lukewarm towards the idea.

“He’s run his guts out today and would need a little rest now. He’s done all that’s been asked of him” said Biddlecombe. “We might have another look next year. People complain that we wrap him up in cotton wool but we’ve come here today and won the race.

“Hen’s been a nervous wreck, chewing her nails off and Jim Lewis is such a good owner. All the staff and everyone in the yard have pulled their weight and it’s a great reward for us.”


RACE THREE TOTESPORT CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP
QUOTES

JIM CULLOTY

Jim Culloty had no complaints about the race-riding tactics employed by Paul Carberry, who rode Harbour Pilot and was intent in keeping the favourite hemmed in as they came off the final turn.

Culloty said:”I would have done exactly the same in his position. You would not get many rides at this game if you were a perfect gentleman, and he was just doing his job.

“Andrew Thornton had also tightened me up when I tried to sneak out at the last ditch, and, having travelled ok on ground which was softer than ideal for us, I started to get a bit worried at that stage.

“Terry (Biddlecombe) and I had walked the course and found that the ground was definitely better near the rail, so we took the inside route throughout.

“It was just a case of not panicking. I knew that there was still plenty of time left - Thierry (Doumen) had taken no prisoners up front and we had gone a punishing gallop, so I was sure that they would tire - and I managed to finally pull out going to the second last.

“That was the crucial fence as he winged it, and that effectively sealed the race. I decided to pop the last - better to be safe than risk turning over - and he showed his battling qualities up the hill.

“Of course, I was worried when we were boxed in, but it all ended happily. At the end of the day it was sheer guts which got us home, and I am so relieved.”


RACE THREE TOTESPORT CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP
QUOTES

HENRIETTA KNIGHT

If it ain’t broke why fix it, and Henrietta Knight does not plan to change anything when she prepares Best Mate for a fourth Gold Cup in 12 months time, a race for which he is a top-priced 5-2 with Ladbrokes.

Knight said: “There is only so much mileage in racehorses, and I get annoyed by those who criticise us for wrapping up Best Mate in cotton wool.

“He has just had the toughest race of his life, and, though Jim Lewis has been talking of Punchestown next, let us see how he recovers from today’s gruelling exertions.

“People say we should run him in handicaps, but, while I am not claiming that Rooster Booster and Baracouda would have won the Champion and Stayers’ Hurdles respectively if they had not given lumps of weight away in their prep-races, it must surely have knocked the edge off them.

“By looking after Best Mate we are reaping the rewards, and he might be even better next year. We treated Edredon Bleu the same, and he has showed this season that he is better at the age of 12 than he was at seven.

“This has been a real ordeal, and I honestly thought we would be beaten at the last, but we saw another side of Best Mate today. We knew he had bags of class and all the ability in the world, but we saw up that famous hill today that he has also got plenty of bottle.

“I have suffered far more from the second Gold Cup to the third, and I suppose I will have another 500 congratulation cards to reply to this year.

“But I am not complaining. It is a privilege to be associated with such a good horse. Arkle was a great horse, and I refuse to compare different generations, but there is no doubt that Best Mate is the best around.

“I knew that we had him spot on for today. Huntingdon was always just a hiccup - the ground was too soft, the trip and track too sharp and he was a bit race-rusty.”

And the icing on the cake came when Henrietta Knight received the Guinness Award for the day’s outstanding achievement. Rightly so!


RACE THREE TOTESPORT CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP
QUOTES

MORE JIM LEWIS

Owner Jim Lewis conceded that he was “preparing for the worst” when he saw Best Mate locked in a pocket turning for home.

Lewis, who initially felt that it might not be his day when he left his lucky Crombie overcoat behind at home - he hastily arranged to have it collected by a neighbour and it arrived with 20 minutes to spare - was all smiles afterwards but confessed that he had suffered agonies all the way round.

He said:”I was saying my prayers and looking up to heaven, asking my mum and dad for a bit of help. I was ready to lose and it will happen one day, but Jim got out of jail and our dreams lives on for a bit longer.”

Terry Biddlecombe praised Jim Culloty for “a brilliant, brilliant ride”.
The three-times champion jockey said:”It was not his ground - he is better when it is fast rather than tacky, but I could read Jim’s mind and knew that he had things under control.

“He didn’t panic, and he escaped just at the right time. Someone offered me a glass of water afterwards, but I told them that I’d rather have a couple of Viagara pills!”


RACE THREE TOTESPORT CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP
PAUL CARBERRY

CARBERRY ON WHY HE KEPT BEST MATE IN

Paul Carberry, the rider of the third Harbour Pilot, explained why he closed up Best Mate on the run to the second last.

He said: “Jim (Culloty) was coming on the inside. I saw him coming and he was trying to push me off.

“This a Gold Cup not a maiden hurdle - you don’t give too much leeway in a race like that.

“I was hoping Best Mate would not come back but he did and probably idled in front.

“This was a serious run from my horse - he’s a lovely horse and will be a real National horse.”


RACE THREE TOTESPORT CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP
PLACE QUOTES

SECOND TO THE CHAMP

Sir Rembrandt finished the half-length runner-up to triple totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Best Mate.

Robert Alner said: “What more can you do than finish half a length behind Best Mate - it doesn’t get any better than that does it?

“Sir Rembrandt has come back from a couple of bad runs and he’s had his injuries. Our fellow was nearly second last in the betting and I said I would be delighted with anything better than sixth or higher and to be second is unbelievable.

“I knew he was really well, as I told people beforehand, and he was still catching Best Mate on the run-in - he jumped so well.

“He’s run a blinder - what a horse. Most of our other horses are able to beat him at home.”

Noel Meade’s Harbour Pilot was a further one and a quarter lengths adrift in third, although he was nearly the villain of the Cotswolds keeping Best Mate hemmed in at one point of the race.

Meade said: “What a great atmosphere. Our fellow has only had two runs this year and only one of them was over fences.

“He’s obviously better this year even when he’s working at home and he would have won last time at Leopardstown if he hadn’t blundered.

“He might go for the Heineken Gold Cup at Punchestown [where Best Mate could also be in opposition] if the ground is not too fast and I’ll also make an entry in the Irish Grand National, but I don’t know about that - I’ll have to see the weights. It got too quick to run him at Punchestown last year.”

Asked if he realised it was Best Mate that his charge was slowing down at one point, he replied: “I knew it was Best Mate and he kept the favourite in nicely - out there it is a war isn’t it?”

Harbour Pilot has not won since February, 2002. “It would be nice to win a race with him now,” he continued.

“It’s great to get a horse to Cheltenham fit and then to win a race is a miracle. What Best Mate has done to win three Gold Cups is just incredible.

“Rain [which came down quite hard immediately after the race] would have been a help but that would probably have suited the second horse as well.”

totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup Analysis

They can change the name of the premier steeplechase, but they can’t change the result.

Europe’s best steeplechaser is Best Mate, and he won this race, the newly-christened totesport Gold Cup after an enthralling battle which more than lived up to the contest’s star billing.

An overnight change in the going following rain (officially good, good to soft in places) was never likely to stop such a good horse, but he might have preferred a little more bounce, and this victory was definitely the most hard-fought of the three.

He jumped exquisitely throughout and, even when under maximum pressure, still produced telling leaps at the final two fences. That economy of effort definitely helped his cause.

Held up in midfield early on, Best Mate gradually crept closer to pace-setting First Gold and was perfectly placed running down the hill for the final time, just a couple of lengths behind the leader with Harbour Pilot and Sir Rembrandt on his outside. However, as they approached the final bend, with two to jump, Jim Culloty asked Best Mate to go alongside First Gold, and Paul Carberry, riding Harbour Pilot, closed the door. A couple of bumps at that stage of a long-distance chase is taxing, and Best Mate was forced to break stride and tuck back in.

He was only fourth as they rounded the bend, but produced a telling change of gear to go second at the penultimate. That was the point at which First Gold surrendered the lead, leaving Best Mate and Harbour Pilot to go on.

The favourite was ahead by inches at the last and pulled clear of Harbour Pilot, who was then passed by Sir Rembrandt, who closed the gap on the leader, but went down by half a length at the line.

Best Mate now joins Arkle as a three-time winner of this race, and as a nine-year-old he is young enough to build on that total - it is hard to believe he would not have won by a greater distance had he not met trouble in running. He is now a possible contender for the Heineken Gold Cup at Punchestown.

Sir Rembrandt, second in a muddy renewal of the Coral Welsh National at Christmas, ran the race of his life, begging the question, what might his stablemate Kingscliff have done had he not been absent with a muscle problem?

Harbour Pilot, third last year when beaten just over 12 lengths by Best Mate, got much closer this time and showed great tenacity. Beef Or Salmon, who fell at the third when strongly-fancied for this race 12 months ago, stayed on from off the pace and finished fastest of all to take fourth. After a series of mishaps and problems on the way to this meeting he ran well enough, but does not look a future Gold Cup winner.

First Gold was one of the few runners in the field with a major big-race triumph already in his locker - the 2000 King George VI Chase at Kempton. He picked up an injury following that victory and has been an unreliable betting proposition ever since; this time last year he ran poorly in this race and was pulled up, but then ran a blinder to win at Aintree. Similar tactics were tried here and they worked well enough – he put in some extravagant leaps, but grew tired in the straight and finished fifth.

Keen Leader’s previous visits to the Festival had not been successful (fell in the 2002 Royal & Sunalliance Hurdle and then fifth in the chase equivalent last year), but he seems to perform well for Barry Geraghty whose only previous ride on the horse had resulted in a victory at Haydock earlier this season. He was ridden to get the trip, but never threatened to take a hand, and simply stayed on to take sixth, ahead of novice Therealbandit, who virtually walked across the line.

Therealbandit had fallen on his only previous start against proven performers when running in the Pillar Property Chase at this course in January, and he made several novicey mistakes, including two at the fence at the top of the hill which caught him out eight weeks ago. The decision to run in this race was a bold one, but on this showing he would have struggled to win the Royal & Sunalliance Chase.

Alexander Banquet, sixth last year, was taking in this race on his way to a more realistic target, the Martell Cognac Grand National at Aintree next month. He was soon well behind and plugged on to finish last.

Irish Hussar, a decent novice chaser last year, was taking another step up in class. He ran well at Newbury when second in the Aon Chase, one place ahead of Keen Leader, but then missed an engagement in the Racing Post Chase because the ground was considered too fast. The overnight rain must have been considered a bonus for the eight-year-old, but that could not bridge the gulf in class and he pulled up in the home straight.

Truckers Tavern seemed to be ridden to gain a place in this event last year, and that plan worked when he picked off tiring rivals to finish second, 10 lengths behind Best Mate. Similar tactics were employed this time, but to no avail and he pulled up before five out.

BOOKIES CHEER HOME BEST MATE DESPITE £5-MILLION POUND PAYOUT

Coral quote just 9-4 about a record breaking fourth Gold Cup win

Even Britain’s bookmakers were cheering home Best Mate today despite his win costing the betting industry a £5-million pound payout.

“You simply can’t put a figure on what this incredible horse has done for racing’s image today. After a week where the sport has been dragged through the gutter, Best Mate has reminded us all how thrilling horse racing can be”, said Simon Clare, Coral spokesman.

This week’s Festival has seen a host of well-backed favourites fail to win and a number of shock results, leaving the bookmakers celebrating a successful Cheltenham despite Best Mate’s win.

“This has already been the best Festival for bookmakers for over a decade and Best Mate’s victory may make a small dent in our profits but it won’t wipe the smiles off our faces”, added Clare.

Best Mate’s record-breaking performance in today’s totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup prompted Coral to offer just 9-4 against this incredible chaser winning a fourth Gold Cup next year.

**2005 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup - 9-4 Best Mate, 10-1 Kingscliff, 14-1 Sir Rembrandt, 16-1 Beef Or Salmon, Our Vic, Royal Emperor, 20-1 Harbour Pilot, Keen Leader, 25-1 Rule Supreme, Therealbandit,

**2005 Smurfit Champion Hurdle - 8-1 Rooster Booster, 10-1 Brave Inca, 14-1 Inglis Drever, 16-1 Back In Front, Intersky Falcon, 20-1 Made In Japan

**2005 Queen Mother Champion Chase - 6-4 Azertyuiop, 5-1 Moscow Flyer, 8-1 Well Chief, 12-1 Kicking King, 20-1 Cenkos, Flagship Uberalles, Tiutchev

The Battle of Cheltenham won, but not the War?

Best Mate 5/2 to make it four Gold Cups

Ladbrokes reports industry turnover on The 2004 Cheltenham Festival to have beaten the £250 million of last year. The firm can confirm a turnover increase of just under 10%. However, turnover on this year's totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup was down 25%.

Ladbrokes spokesman Balthazar Fabricius said, " With Best Mate at odds on, in many people's eyes he was unbackable. The Gold Cup is usually our third biggest turnover race but this year punters have been convinced of the result since 2003."

Turnover has been strong and has beaten all previous records for The Festival as a whole, although it has not increased as much as expected because of a drop in the recycling of winning money.

Fabricius said, "Last year with so many favourites winning, a huge amount of the turnover was down to punters reinvesting so much of their winnings. That said, business has been bigger and better than ever, which makes up for the losses incurred at last year's Festival.

This time last year industry losses of £10 million at The Festival was only the start of bad things, a massive gamble on Monty's Pass, disastrous Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood followed hot on the heels.

"We've won the battle of Cheltenham but we haven't won the war," added Fabricius

5/2 Best Mate to win 2005 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup

12/1 Best Mate to win 2005 and 2006 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cups

WHAT A RESULT!

Smiles all round at Cheltenham today as Best Mate romped to his third totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup win, and even the bookies William Hill were cheering the champion home as, despite being such a hot favourite, he was by no means their worse result.

Hills spokesman David Hood said: “It was a score draw really, what a cracking result for racing, Best Mate’ss connections and all his fans but still a pretty good outcome for the bookies too. With the defeats of Rooster Booster, Moscow Flyer and Baracouda having already gone our way, Best Mate winning was never a result we were worried about - we had laid plenty on his rivals each way as the punters looked for alternatives.”

“The bookies really have had the cream this Festival - it has been the polar opposite of last year for us and we are going to Aintree and in to the Flat season without being battered and bruised this time! We've had one of the most successful Festivals ever, industry turnover is estimated to be £250 - £300 million and a lot of potential bad results have gone our way.”

BEST MATE BREAKS ALL BETFAIR RECORDS

Best Mate matched at 3 (2-1) in running

Best mate matched £4,268,649 on his own

Betfair matched £5,222,294 on the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup win market alone (not including ante-post)

THE WINNER -BEST MATE (IRE) FACTFILE

8 b g Un Desperado (FR) - Katday (FR) (Miller’s Mate)
Form: 11221/1112/1221/11-21 1 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. He won his third successive totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup today.

Race Record: Starts: 19; 1st: 13; 2nd: 6; 3rd: 0; Win & Place prize money: £964,665

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 & 2004 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); 2004 BEST MATE

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 & 2004 BEST MATE
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
2004 Best Mate 9-12-00 Jim Culloty Henrietta Knight Jim Lewis 8/11F 10
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

BEST MATE DOES IT

Best Mate is 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 but had to battle hard today to win the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup again.

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 40 renewals since 1964, the winner from the previous year ran on 20 occasions, scoring five times (Arkle 1965 & !966), L’Escargot (1971) and Best Mate (2003 & 2004). During the same period, five winners from the previous year have been placed.

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 1st 8/11F
* 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.

PIPE CLOSING IN ON WALWYN’S RECORD

Following two victories at the Festival on Tuesday, Martin Pipe is now just eight victories behind the late Fulke Walwyn in the list of most successful trainers at jump racing’s biggest event. The leading trainer at this year’s Festival will receive the prestigious new Daily Telegraph Award.

THE MOST SUCCESSFUL NATIONAL HUNT FESTIVAL TRAINERS
40 Fulke Walwyn (Winners from 1946-86)
32 Martin Pipe (1981- )
28 Fred Winter (1970-88)
26 Tom Dreaper IRE (1946-71)
25 Nicky Henderson (1985- )
25 Fred Rimell (1948-81)
23 Vincent O’Brien IRE (1948-59)
23 Bob Turnell (1956-80)
22 Ivor Anthony (1930-52)
19 George Beeby (1930-59)
17 David Nicholson (1986-99)
17 Edward O’Grady IRE (1974- )
15 Harry Brown (1920-38)
15 Tom Coulthwaite (1911-36)
15 Tom Rimell (1927-49)
14 Dan Moore IRE (1953-79)
13 Jack Anthony (1929-50)
13 Tim Forster (1963-98)
12 Peter Easterby (1967-86)
12 John Edwards (1969-94)
12 Tom Jones (1965-78)
(Current trainers in bold) (NB Trainers of some of the earliest winners were not recorded)

NATIONAL HUNT FESTIVAL TRAINERS

2004 Paul Nicholls 4 winners

2003 Jonjo O’Neill 3

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

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)
Henrietta Knight (2002, 2003 and 2004 Best Mate)
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)
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.

Daily Telegraph Riding Award winners

2004 Ruby Walsh (3)
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)
Jim Culloty 3 (2002, 2003 and 2004 Best Mate)
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.

.

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)



FIRST RACE WINNING QUOTES
JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE

MADE IN JAPAN TRIUMPHS

Made In Japan sprang a 20/1 surprise in the opening JCB Triumph Hurdle to give trainer Philip Hobbs and jockey Richard Johnson both a second success at the 2004 Festival.

But Hobbs admitted the victory was not a total shock to him. “We’ve have several people down to the yard in the run-up to this week and I’ve always said Rooster Booster was our banker then came Monkerhostin and after him this horse yet he still went off at 20/1.

“He was probably well suited by the stiff track today, compared to the courses he has been to before. I thought he was probably better suited by faster ground so was worried by the rain.

“He was a bit green first time out at Taunton but has started to get the hang of it.

“The four-year-old race at Aintree is actually worth more than this so we could go there and on to Punchestown. But the track at Aintree may not suit him so much.

“Next season he’ll probably take advantage of the four-year-old novice chases because he’s a big horse who jumps well. I bought him for 32,000gns at Tattersalls in October from Mikael Magnusson and he’s turned out to be a good buy.”

Jockey Richard Johnson added: “I thought he was an outsider with a good each-way chance going into the race and it seemed very open.

“He was maybe just green in front but after the last he was doing it of his own accord and stayed on well so hopefully there is more to come.”


RACE ONE - QUOTES PLACED HORSES
JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE

WILLIAMS HAPPY

Venetia Williams, trainer of runner-up Chief Yeoman, was happy with runner-up spot. She said: “We beat ante-post favourite Trouble at Bay when we made our jumping debut at Kempton last October, and, while I never dreamed we’d beat him again, I stressed to Tony Dobbin that he was a long way from being a no-hoper.

“Chief Yeoman was only a trekker from Doncaster Sales last August, but he has proved as tough as nails and we came here hopeful of a good run.

“I am absolutely chuffed to bits - sure he is fully exposed but then so was Spectroscope last year, and now we will go on to Liverpool for the Martell Cognac XO Anniversary Hurdle. No point in worrying about our handicap mark now !”



RACE ONE JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE

GROUND

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

Rodi Greene, rider of Tamarinbleu, said: “Good to soft.”

Russ Garritty, rider of Edmo Yewkay, said: “A bit dead in places.”

David Casey, rider of Hasanpour, said: “On the easy side of good.”

Conor O’Dwyer, rider of Seaforde, said: “Deadish ground on the very slow side of good.”

Robert Thornton, rider of Trouble At Bay, said: “Good to soft - it’s fine.”

Jamie Moore, rider of Zimbabwe, said: “Soft side of good, at the bottom of the hill coming around the bend soft.”

Timmy Murphy, rider of Al Eile, said: “Good to soft, soft in places.”

Ben Hitchcott, rider of Web Perceptions, said: “On the easy side.”

Ollie McPhail, rider of Mondul, said: “Good ground generally.”

Carl Llewellyn, rider of Border Tale, said: “Very, very gluey.”

Noel Fehily, rider of Analogy, said: “Slow side of good.”

WAYNE HUTCHINSON

Wayne Hutchinson, rider of fifth-placed Howle Hill, received a one-day ban for careless riding to be served on March 29. He was adjudged to have allowed his mount to drift on to Tusk, the mount of Jim Culloty.

RACE TWO BONUSPRINT.COM STAYERS’ HURDLE
QUOTES



Revenge is a dish best served cold, and, having waited 12 months for his rematch with the mighty Baracouda, Iris’s Gift turned his three parts of a length defeat into a glorious length and a half victory in what proved an epic thriller between two special staying hurdlers.

When Baracouda, looking to win the race for the third year running, ranged alongside Iris’s Gift at the final flight, both Jonjo O’Neill and owner Bob Lester feared they would suffer the same fate as last season, but the gallant grey just refused to allow the favourite to go past this time.

Lester, a long-time friend of O’Neill, owns the Red Cow at Nantwich, and, screaming from the rooftops at his friends in the crowd, he roared:”See you tonight - we’ll drink the pub dry !”

Iris’s Gift has only run once since last year, but Lester refuted suggestions that all has not been well with the seven-year-old.

He said: “The only problem that he had was that he endured a hard old season last year, but Jonjo gave him plenty of time to recover and after a brilliant dress-rehearsal at Haydock, where we were determined not to leave Cheltenham behind, we came here with all guns blazing.”

Different riding tactics also played a big part in the form reversal, and Barry Geraghty, who gave Iris’s Gift such a terrific ride, said:”I had a word with Garry Hutchinson beforehand and stressed that Solerina did not need a break-neck gallop and that if he went off too fast he would only be playing into the hands of Baracouda.”

O’Neill, celebrated his third winner of the meeting, one each day, was besieged with congratulations for what was undoubtedly one of the training performances of the season.

He said:”Iris’s Gift is like his owner - he’s a lunatic. He is always crashing through rails at home, and Stumpy (Simon Olley), his lad, has done a fabulous job getting him switched off.

“Both Bob and Iris’s Gift are wonderful characters, and this horse is hard as nails. I still felt we had a chance when Baracouda came alongside, because he hadn’t travelled as well as last year. He had been forced to do more early on in the race and hit a flat spot on the way round, and I knew my fellow would run all the way to the line. Now he will head to Punchestown.”


RACE TWO BONUSPRINT.COM STAYERS’ HURDLE
PLACED QUOTES

CHAMPION LOSES

Baracouda, who has won this race for the past two seasons, found Iris’s Gift one and a half lengths too powerful today and became the third champion of the week to be beaten in the trail of Rooster Booster and Moscow Flyer.

Trainer Francois Doumen said: “I have nothing to say - we were beaten by a better horse today. We were the best last year, Iris’s Gift was the best this year.”

Owner J P McManus added: “It was a great race and the winner won fair and square. It was a long way back to the third and he must have been beaten by a good horse.

“This one’s down but the battle isn’t lost yet. That’s what happens when you are the champion.

“We will think about whether he goes chasing.”

J P McManus’s racing manager, Frank Berry, said: “Baracouda has run an absolute blinder. Thierry [Doumen, jockey] gave him a great ride and did everything right and was just beaten by a better horse on the day.”

Ladbrokes make Baracouda and Iris’s Gift 3/1 joint-favourites for this heat next year.

Crystal D’Ainay was a further 13 lengths adrift in third. Trainer Alan King said: “I’m thrilled - that was a hell of a run and a great performance from a five-year-old and he just found a couple too good. He was beaten by two proper boys.”


RACE FOUR CHRISTIE’S FOXHUNTER CHASE CHALLENGE CUP
WIN QUOTES

SECOND FOXHUNTERS FOR EARTHMOVER

Six years after winning the Foxhunters, Earthmover did it again this time denying Never Compromise by four lengths.

Winning trainer Paul Nicholls said: “All credit to the horse as he’s been so hard to get fit. He’s old, stiff and he was lame two or three weeks after Christmas. He came to himself just before Fontwell and he came out of that race great.

“I needed to run him at Fontwell the other day [when second] and today is his day.

“I really did fancy him and he’s just come right and fresh - it wasn’t the greatest Foxhunters in all honesty.

“He’s 13 years old and while he’s never really been up to the Gold Cup mark, he was just a good handicapper who nearly died in a fall at Newton Abbot.

“He won like that around Cheltenham last April.

“Rilly [Goschen] gave him a brilliant ride. I’m delighted for her as she’s a hard-working girl who works and rides out for me. It’s great for the horse and her - she has a little livery yard.

“We’ll have to think about retirement for him - I just talked to Roger [Penny, owner] about it and we’ll see.”


RACE FIVE
132ND YEAR OF THE CHELTENHAM GRAND ANNUAL CHASE CHALLENGE CUP

PIRRAN GIVES NICHOLLS THIRD SUCCESS

The well-supported St Pirran justified 4/1 favouritism to land the Grand Annual Chase effortlessly under Ruby Walsh and give trainer Paul Nicholls a third success of the meeting.

“I thought we’d win this for a long while, this had always been the plan,” said Nicholls. “The only slight hiccup came at Sandown last time but if he had won there he would have had to carry a penalty.

“We were well in today if his jumping stood up. We took him to school at Wincanton on Friday with Cenkos and he jumped well.

“The horse has had to have a full MOT and is still lightly-raced this season. He’ll definitely go to Aintree for the two-mile handicap and then maybe Sandown later in April.”

MCMANUS RUNNER-UP AGAIN

Owner J P McManus suffered the agony of having the runner-up for the second time in the same afternoon - Baracouda was second in the bonusprint.com Stayers’ Hurdle earlier - when Ground Ball was a two and a half length behind St Pirran.

J P McManus’s racing manager, Frank Berry, said: “There are no excuses. He jumped great and had every chance but was beaten by a better horse on the day. He’ll probably go to Aintree now for one of the handicaps.

“It’s been a great meeting and it was great to see Best Mate win his third Gold Cup.”

Trainer Charlie Swan agreed: “That was a good run - the other horse was too good with our fellow having the run of the race and there are no excuses.

“I hate it when I see Ruby [Walsh, winning rider] coming behind my horses.

“He might go to Aintree as he’s tough but we’ll see how he comes out of this. I think he goes on any ground and I’d say that he goes on fast ground.”


RACE SIX CATHCART CHALLENGE CUP CHASE
WIN QUOTES

GUEST PRAISES MCGRATH

Richard Guest praised Larry McGrath for Our Armageddon’s success here. McGrath had pulled the Sky Chase gelding up in Tuesday’s Irish Independent Arkle Chase.

“It’s wonderful - I take my hat off to Larry who pulled him up the other day when he made a bad mistake and his chance had gone. That’s why its so great to have your own people riding because they know the horses - he left another day in him,” explained Guest.

“The ground also went in our favour. He’s a top, top horse. I’ve had an amazing year and this horse has finished for the season now. I guess we’ll step him up in trip next term and as he will have a lot of weight in handicaps I guess that I’ll have to train him like a good horse. Three miles on a flat track should suit him so I think the King George could be the race and we’ll aim for the sky.”

Barry Simpson, racing manager to second-placed Iris Royal’s owner Sir Robert Ogden, said: “That’s the most extraordinary race he has run - one thing he has always done is jump well. But early on his jumping was very poor but he winged the last three and coming to the second last he had every chance. I’m disappointed yet delighted with how he ran. We’ve got the invitation to Japan for the Nakayama Grand Jump and we’ll consider going there. The alternative is Aintree but he’s had a hard race today and it might come a bit too quick.”


RACE SEVEN VINCENT O’BRIEN COUNTY HANDICAP HURDLE
WIN QUOTES

TREBLE FOR NICHOLLS

Sporazene sent racegoers home happy as he justified joint-favouritism in the getting out stakes and provided Paul Nicholls with his third winner of the day and left him as the week’s leading trainer with four successes.

He said: “What a day - that’s just the job. Ruby [Walsh, jockey] and I disagreed about him - I said that he would stay while Ruby thinks he’s a speed horse. At Kempton he was flat-footed and I think he stays.

“On his Kempton run at Christmas, I thought that he would take all the beating. He might have one more run over hurdles but next season he’ll go chasing and he’s already schooled over fences and he’s brilliant. The Arkle is the long-term plan.

“I’ve had a great week being top trainer and Ruby is the top jockey as well - for me Earthmover was the highlight.

“Tuesday was a disappointment with Thisthatandtother but that’s racing with its ups and downs.”

NO MOORE AT AINTREE

Jamie Moore was banned for four days for excessive frequency with the whip from the second last on his mount Copeland in the concluding event. He received a four-day ban to be served on Tuesday, March 30, and Thursday, April 1 to Saturday, April 3, which means that he will miss the Martell Cognac Grand National Meeting at Aintree.

BEST MATE DOMINATES MEDIA COVERAGE

Best Mate’s bid to emulate the great Arkle’s three victories in the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup dominates today’s racing pages.

Arkle won jump racing’s blue riband between 1964 and 1966, while Best Mate has won the last two renewals, in 2002 and 2003.

“Destiny in sight,” is the headline in the Racing Post, superimposed on a picture of Best Mate and Arkle jumping a fence. Chief reporter Jon Lees goes on to write, “Achievements are what set apart the great from the good and just nine horses and 22 fences stand in the way of Best Mate fulfilling what many believe is his destiny before the packed enclosures today.”

The Sun’s eight-page pull-out headlines with “Mate’s D-Day is here,” with a sub-headline of “Best Is Yet To Come.”

Punter’s Pal Claude Duval says: “Experts suggest Best Mate isn’t as good as Arkle. But he’s the best we have seen for a generation so let’s get ready to celebrate his brilliance.”

“He’s even the bookies’ Best Mate,” screams the Star.

Tony Lewis explains: “And guess who will be cheering Best Mate home along with millions of racing fans - our old friends the bookmakers!

“At least that’s how it stands at the moment. Best Mate offers no threat to most ante-post books on his own as his Gold Cup odds have been very short ever since last year’s impressive victory.

“But he’s been nominated as the banker in so many doubles, trebles and accumulators with Moscow Flyer, Trouble At Bay, Rooster Booster and Baracouda there could still be a sting in the tail. However, Rooster Booster and Moscow Flyer have already been rolled over, so expect most of those Honest Joes to join in the celebrations if Best Mate surges up that hill in front.”

“Only The Best Is Good Enough,” states the Daily Mirror.

Dave Yates, who writes as Newsboy, is convinced that Best Mate is home and hosed. He says: “Best Mate is impossible to oppose as he bids to equal Arkle’s feat of a Cheltenham Gold Cup hat-trick at Prestbury Park today.

“Henrietta Knight’s gelding, who runs in the colours of affable Aston Villa fan Jim Lewis, has landed the Tote-sponsored Blue Riband for the past two years - and it’s hard to see what can prevent him from gaining a third victory.”

“History beckons for Best Mate,” is the headline in The Independent.

Their racing correspondent Richard Edmondson eloquently sets the scene: “Ever since Arkle, there has been the hunt to find a jumping horse to mention in the same breath and, this afternoon, an audience of over 60,000 will be holding theirs in the Cotswolds to see if Best Mate can become illustrious.”

“Best Mate ready to join greats,” is the header in The Times. Rob Wright clearly believes that a win this afternoon can be followed by further success. He says: “A third win in jumping’s Blue Riband would more than justify Knight’s cautious approach with her stable star and, given how few miles he has on the clock - he has had just 18 runs under Rules - there is every reason to hope that he could be around for some time to come.”

“Wait is over - I’m ready to ride into the record books with my Best Mate,” says the headline in The Guardian.

Best Mate’s jockey Jim Culloty goes on to indicate what immaculate planning has gone into this ride. “This race is the end of 12 months of planning. You see potential opponents for Best Mate almost every day that you go racing, so you watch them all and look for their strengths and also for their weaknesses. You’re always thinking a long way ahead, but now the day is here and I’ve got to make it happen.”

Perhaps the last word is best left to trainer Henrietta Knight, who writes in the Daily Telegraph under the headline, “Matey’s golden opportunity.”

She says: “Yesterday I watched the young horses cantering up the hills and I saw my new friend, a magnificent red kite, gliding and swooping over the valleys. The sight of this huge bird, with a wingspan exceeding six feet, provided me with inspiration for Cheltenham. He looked a king, his flight was majestic and he was in total control.

“Let’s hope Best Mate can do the same and reign supreme over his kingdom this afternoon.”


INITIAL BETTING NEWS

It might take more than a few millimetres of rain to persuade punters to oppose Best Mate as he attempts to carve a niche in the history books in today’s totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup, but one Ladbrokes client jumped at the chance of betting without Henrietta Knight’s champion and has invested £20,000 coupling Therealbandit at 4-1 with hotpot Baracouda at 4-6 in the bonusprint.com Stayers’ Hurdle. He stands to collect a cool £130,000 if Lady Luck is on his side.

However, not everyone is wrapped up with the fairystory which has dominated the sports pages this morning, and one Cashmans punter has a £10,000-£300 bet still running on all four reigning champions (Rooster Booster, Moscow Flyer, Baracouda and Best Mate) being beaten. It is a case of two down and two to go.

And another Cashmans client who clearly has no time for sentiment is sitting on a bet of £6,000-£1,000 about both Baracouda and Best Mate being turned over this afternoon. The firm now offer only 7-2 about that possibility.

It has been a good meeting for most bookies, and Cashmans feel the time is right to give something back to punters, judged by their generous speciality wagers; money back if your win bet in the Gold Cup finishes second to Best Mate, quarter-odds on the first four in the JCB Triumph, and the same concession but taking in the fifth horse home in the Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle.

Best backed horse of the morning with Ladbrokes has been Lord Atterbury in the Christie’s Foxhunters Challenge Cup.

“We were top price at 7-2, and the phones were red hot the moment we opened,” explained Balthazar Fabricius, and ‘The Magic Sign’ have been forced to reduce offers to 11-4.

Other significant moves in the Harrow offices surrounded Trouble at Bay, clipped a point to 6-1 for the JCB Triumph Hurdle, Sh Boom, popular from 14-1 to 10-1 for the bonusprint.com Stayers’ Hurdle, and a couple in the finale, the Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle, Adamant Approach being backed from 18-1 to 14-1, while fellow Irish challenger Newhall has also been a persistent order, being supported from 25-1 to
16-1.

MORE BETTING MOVES

Adamant Approach and Newhall have been the “buzz” horses with all the major firms. The former is down to 10-1 from twice those odds with William Hill, who have also slashed Newhall from 28-1 to 16-1, while Adamant Approach has been popular for the Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle with Victor Chandler, who have cut his price from 16-1 to 10-1, and also with the Tote, who now go 10-1 from 14-1, and Newhall has been all the rage with the tote and Paddy Power, who have both slashed his odds to 14-1 from 33-1.

Paddy Power are singing from the same songsheet, Adamant Approach being down to 10-1 from 20-1 and Newhall to 16-1 from 33-1.

Chandlers were top-offer of 12-1 about Adopted Hero for the JCB Triumph Hurdle this morning, but Tony McCoy’s mount, cut from 11-1 to 9-1 with Corals, has proved a “steamer” and is down to 9-1 with them, too, though it is Zimbabwe, Gary Moore’s other runner in the juvenile hurdling crown, who has interested Hills’ punters, the recent Fontwell winner being chopped from 14-1 to 10-1.

Paddy Power saw good money for both Moore’s hopes, with Adopted Hero (8-1) and Zimbabwe (12-1) both clipped two points, while the latter also had Cashmans running for cover over breakfast, and a £3,000 each-way bet at 14-1 was enough to reduce offers to 12-1, while the same firm had the clippers out for Trouble at Bay, now 6-1 from 7-1, Tarque, who is 10-1 from 12-1 and Howle Hill, who was popular from 14-1 to 10-1.

Like most of the offices, Cashmans experienced a a busy morning, Sh Boom being cut from 14-1 to 12-1 for the bonusprint.com Stayers’ Hurdle, County Derry from 16-1 to 12-1 for the Christies’ Foxhunters and further sustained support for Newhall in the County, a £2,000 each-way bet at 20-1 seeing his price clipped to 16-1.

The supposed invincibility of Best Mate has meant that the totesport Gold Cup market remains unusually quiet, and, while Chandlers have eased the favourite to 4-6 from 4-7, they also report punters looking elsewhere for a bit of value and have taken a bet of £200,000-£5,000 each-way about Sir Rembrandt, who has been shaved to 33-1, while Robert Alner’s chaser has also been popular with the tote in their “betting without Best Mate” market, for which he is down to 16-1 from 25-1.

Simon Clare expressed his frustration that Corals could not give away Best Mate, with punters showing no interest whatsoever at accepting the odds-on.

Clare said: ”It has been quite amazing. They didn’t want to know at 4-7, so we eased him to 4-6, yet we still cannot attract a decent bet. I just wish we could lay him.” And those sentiments were echoed by Paddy Power, who, despite easing Best Mate to 8-13, attracted virtually no interest and found both Keen Leader, clipped a point to 11-1, and Sir Rembrandt, shaved to 33-1 from 40-1, far more popular.

Corals report a relatively quiet morning, but they have seen plenty of money for Lilium de Cotte in the County and, though 14-1 when the offices opened, is now a best-priced 10-1 with the Barking firm.

Chandlers also report interest in Irish outsider Yogi for the bonusprint.com Stayers’ Hurdle, having laid the horse to lose £5,000, causing them to reduce offers from 200-1 to 66-1, while inevitably Pricewise followers were on for Seebald at early doors for the Grand Annual Chase, prompting Hills to take an early retreat, cutting his odds from 14-1 to 10-1. Cashmans also took evasive action with Seebald, reducing the quote from 14-1 to 11-1, while Ground Ball has been in demand for the same race and is down to 12-1 from 16-1, and that pair were also in demand with Paddy Power, Seebald being cut to 11-1 from 14-1 and Ground Ball 12-1 from 14-1.

Who will finish top jockey at the meetings is anybody’s guess, but, though Timmy Murphy heads the race for the Daily Telegraph Trophy with two winners, he has been deposed as favourite by Jim Culloty, who got on the board in Wednesday’s bumper and has, of course, Best Mate, Tusk and Impek to come on the final day. Murphy is offered at 5-2, with Tony McCoy a 4-1 chance, Richard Johnson out to 11-2, with Ruby Walsh attracting a bit of interest at 6-1, now being quoted at a point less.

GOING

Cheltenham’s clerk of the course, Simon Claisse, reported the going at 10am to be

GOOD

after some rain last night and this morning.

“We have had three millimetres of rain up until 10am,” said Claisse.

“The ground is currently good but we may well end up with some good-to-soft patches. The forecast is for a bright day until late afternoon.”

The going stick measurement on which one is heavy and 15 is hard, has moved to 7.8 from 8.2 yesterday morning. The reading was 7.5 before racing on Tuesday.

After racing on the Old Course on the first two days, today’s action is on the New Course and Claisse added: “We are on fresh ground which takes the rain better because there are no hoofprints.”

CHANGE OF GROUND

Simon Claisse, Cheltenham’s Clerk of the Course, has changed the official going description which is now GOOD - GOOD TO SOFT in places, with the GoingStick reading being 7.8.

JOCKEY CHANGES

RACE FOUR - 14 Never Compromise - Mr Alan Crowe

RACE SEVEN - 2 Sporazene - Ruby Walsh
11 Le Passing - Joe Tizzard
28 Scorned - Jimmy McCarthy


FIRST RACE RESULT
2.00pm JCB TRIUMPH HURDLE

Class A, Grade One, £100,000 Guaranteed. For 4yo, 2m 1f. Weights: 11st. Allowances: fillies 7lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £58,000; 2nd: £22,000; 3rd: £11,000; 4th: £5,000; 5th: £2,500; 6th: £1,500

1) MADE IN JAPAN (Terry Evans) Philip Hobbs 4-11-00 Richard Johnson 20/1
2) CHIEF YEOMAN (B Moore & E C Stephens) Venetia Williams 4-11-00 Tony Dobbin 40/1
3) TOP STRATEGY (W J Kane) Ted Walsh IRE b4-11-00 Ruby Walsh 33/1
4) CHERUB (Atlantic Joinery Limited) Jonjo O'Neill t4-11-00 Liam Cooper 16/1
5) HOWLE HILL (J E Brown, R Benton, R Devereux, R A Lucas) Alan King 4-11-00 Wayne Hutchinson
6) ADOPTED HERO (N J Jones, Phil Collins) Gary Moore 4-11-00 Tony McCoy
7) MOULIN RICHE (J C Seroul) Francois Doumen FR 4-11-00 Thierry Doumen
8) RAIKKONEN (Austin Fanning) Willie Mullins IRE 4-11-00 Davy Russell
9) TAMARINBLEU (The Arthur White Partnership) Martin Pipe 4-11-00 Rodi Greene
10) TROUBLE AT BAY (Nigel Bunter) Alan King 4-11-00 Robert Thornton 5/1 Fav
11) BORDER TALE (Chadwick, Dyer & Flynn) Colin Weedon 4-11-00 Carl Llewellyn
12) TUSK (Hogarth Racing) Henrietta Knight 4-11-00 Jim Culloty
13) MONDUL (Let’s Live Racing) Milton Harris 4-11-00 Ollie McPhail
14) ZIMBABWE (Sargent Gillespie) Gary Moore 4-11-00 Jamie Moore
15) AL EILE (M A Ryan) John Queally IRE 4-11-00 Timmy Murphy
16) SEAFORDE (Sir Anthony O’Reilly) Mouse Morris IRE 4-11-00 Conor O'Dwyer
17) ANALOGY (Hugh Villiers) Charlie Mann b1 4-11-00 Noel Fehily
18) WEB PERCEPTIONS (Let’s Live Racing) Milton Harris 4-11-00 Ben Hitchcott
BD 2) TARQUE (John Nicholls (Banbury) Ltd) Venetia Williams t4-11-00 Sam Thomas
BD 2) MAJOR SPECULATION (Latona Leisure Limited) Martin Pipe 4-11-00 Tom Scudamore
F 2) WILD PASSION (Des Sharkey) Noel Meade IRE 4-11-00 Paul Carberry
PU BEF 2 OUT) HASANPOUR (Gay Smith) Charlie Swan IRE 4-11-00 David Casey
PU BEF 2 OUT) EDMO YEWKAY (Edmolift UK Ltd) Tim Easterby 4-11-00 Russ Garritty

23 ran Non-Runner: Cupla Cairde (vet’s certificate)
Breeder: Darley Stud Managemnet Breeding: b g Barathea (IRE) - Darrery
Distances: 2, nk, 1.25, 4, 7, 1.5, 2.5, 1.25, 5, 1.25, 1.25, 7, 1.25, 3.5, 7, 16, 3
Tote Win: £24.20 Places: £4.40; £10.50; £8.10; £3.90 Exacta: £2,075.00

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 Cheltenham Festival wins: (9) 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, 2004 Monkerhostin), Queen Mother Champion Chase (2002 Flagship Uberalles), Smurfit Champion Hurdle (2003 Rooster Booster), Royal & SunAlliance Chase (2003 One Knight), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2004 Made In Japan) 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: (11) 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), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2004 Made In Japan) 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)


SECOND RACE RESULT
2.35pm bonusprint.com STAYERS’ HURDLE

Class A, Grade One, £140,000 Guaranteed. For 4yo+, 3m. Weights: 4yo 11st 1lb, 5yo+ 11st 10lb. Allowances: fillies & mare 7lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £81,200; 2nd: £30,800; 3rd: £15,400; 4th: £7,000; 5th: £3,500; 6th: £2,100

1) IRIS'S GIFT (Robert Lester) Jonjo O'Neill 7-11-10 Barry Geraghty 9/2
2) BARACOUDA (J P McManus) Francois Doumen FR 9-11-10 Thierry Doumen 8/11 Fav
3) CRYSTAL D'AINAY (Tony & Jeni Fisher) Alan King 5-11-10 Robert Thornton 8/1
4) SOLERINA (John Bowe) James Bowe IRE 7-11-03 Gary Hutchinson
5) HOLY ORDERS (A McLuckie) Willie Mullins IRE b7-11-10 Ruby Walsh
6) YOGI (Patrick Delaney Jnr) Tom Foley IRE 8-11-10 Garrett Cotter
7) TARXIEN (Brian Kilpatrick) Martin Pipe t10-11-10 Jamie Moore
8) GRALMANO (Coleorton Moor Racing) Kevin Ryan 9-11-10 Graham Lee
9) REDEMPTION (John Duggan) Nigel Twiston-Davies 9-11-10 Carl Llewellyn
F 9) SH BOOM (T G K Construction Ltd) Jonjo O'Neill 6-11-10 Liam Cooper

10 ran Non-Runner: Rosaker (Vet’s Certificate), Davenport Milenium (Vet’s Certificate)
Breeder: Mrs Reg Crank Breeding: gr g Gunner B - Shirley’s Gift
Distances: 1.5, 13, 13, 4, 3.5, 1.5, dist, 19
Tote Win: £5.10 Places: £1.70; £1.20; £2.00 Exacta: £10.10

Winning trainer: Jonjo O’Neill Born: April 13, 1952 Based: Jackdaws Castle, Gloucestershire Career: former National Hunt jockey Cheltenham Festival wins: (10) 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), bonusprint.com Stayers’ Hurdle (2004 Iris’s Gift) 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: Barry Geraghty Born: September 16, 1979 Background: one of six children from a “horse-mad” family in Drumree. His father Tucker was a useful amateur rider and trains a few horses in addition to his riding school and livery yard while his brothers Ross and Norman are both jockeys. The former won the 2002 Irish Grand National on The Bunny Boiler, while Norman is an amateur who doubles as a farrier. Barry has a background in pony racing, riding his last winner in that arena in September, 1996, before becoming apprenticed to Noel Meade that month and having his first ride the following month. He still rides mainly for Meade, but is also frequently used by Willie Mullins, Frances Crowley and Jessica Harrington. Based: Drumree, County Meath, Ireland First Winner: Stagalier (EBF Mares’ Maiden Hurdle, Down Royal, January 29, 1997) Achievements: Champion jockey in Ireland in 1999/2000 Cheltenham Festival Wins: (7) Irish Independent Arkle Chase (2002 Moscow Flyer), William Hill National Hunt Chase (2003 Youlneverwalkalone), Pertemps Final (2003 Inching Closer), Queen Mother Champion Chase (2003 Moscow Flyer), JCB Triumph Hurdle (2003 Spectroscope), County Hurdle (2003 Spirit Leader), bonusprint.com Stayers’ Hurdle (2004 Iris’s Gift) Big Race Wins: MARTELL COGNAC GRAND NATIONAL (2003 Monty’s Pass); MARTELL COGNAC SEFTON NOVICES’ HURDLE (2000 Sackville, 2003 Iris’s Gift), MIDLANDS GRAND NATIONAL (1998 Miss Orchestra), ROYAL BOND NOVICES’ HURDLE (1999 Moscow Flyer), EVENING HERALD CHAMPION NOVICES’ HURDLE (2000 Moscow Flyer); STEEL PLATE & SECTIONS NOVICES’ CHASE (2002 Super Fellow), INTERVET TROPHY (2002 Stormez), PADDY POWER GOLD CUP (2002 Cyfor Malta), VODAFONE GOLD CUP (2004 Isio)


THIRD RACE RESULT

3.15pm totesport CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP

Class A, Grade One, £350,000 Guaranteed. For 5yo+, 3m 2 .5f. Weights: 5yo 11st, 6yo+ 11st 10lb. Allowances: mares 7lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £203,000; 2nd: £77,000; 3rd: £38,500; 4th: £17,500; 5th: £8,750; 6th: £5,250

1) BEST MATE (Jim Lewis) Henrietta Knight 9-11-10 Jim Culloty 8/11 Fav
2) SIR REMBRANDT (A Hordle) Robert Alner 8-11-10 Andrew Thornton 33/1
3) HARBOUR PILOT (Kays Syndicate) Noel Meade IRE b9-11-10 Paul Carberry 20/1
4) BEEF OR SALMON (Joe Craig) Michael Hourigan IRE 8-11-10 Timmy Murphy
5) FIRST GOLD (J P McManus) Francois Doumen FR b11-11-10 Thierry Doumen
6) KEEN LEADER (Adair Catherwood) Jonjo O'Neill 8-11-10 Barry Geraghty
7) THEREALBANDIT (David Johnson) Martin Pipe 7-11-10 Tony McCoy
8) ALEXANDER BANQUET (Miriam O’Callaghan) Willie Mullins IRE 11-11-10 Ruby Walsh
PU) IRISH HUSSAR (Major Christopher Hanbury) Nicky Henderson 8-11-10 Mick Fitzgerald
PU) TRUCKERS TAVERN (Mrs M B Scholey) Ferdy Murphy t9-11-10 Tony Dobbin

10 ran
Breeder: Jacques Van’t Hart Breeding: b g Un Desperado (FR) - Katday (FR)
Distances: .5, 1.25, 1.75, 10, dist, 4, 3
Tote Win: £1.80 Places: £1.30; £4.90; £3.10 Exacta: £31.50

Winning Trainer: Henrietta Knight Date of birth: 15/12/46 Trains at West Lockinge Farm, Wantage Previous occupation: Ran successful livery yard breaking in horses for Nicky Henderson, Michael Dickinson, Oliver Sherwood and Tim Forster Date of first trainers licence: July 1989 First winner: The Grey Gunner (Bangor, 18/8/89) Cheltenham Festival winners: (7) Bonusprint Stayers Hurdle (1997 Karshi), Grand Annual Chase (1998 Edredon Bleu), Queen Mother Champion Chase (2000 Edredon Bleu), Royal & Sun Alliance Novices’ Chase (2000 Lord Noelie), Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup (2002, 2003, 2004 Best Mate) Other major wins: Peterborough Chase (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 Edredon Bleu, 2002 Best Mate), Feltham Novices’ Chase (2001 Maximize), Tote Championship Chase (2001 Edredon Bleu), Haldon Gold Cup (2001 Best Mate), Scilly Isles Novice Chase (2001 Best Mate), Ericsson Chase (2003 Best Mate), King George VI Chase (2002 Best Mate, 2003 Edredon Bleu) Wins (1990/91--2002/03): 24; 14; 37; 25; 44; 59; 47; 42; 32; 40; 39; 48; 43 Number of Horses in training (1990-2003): 36; 45; 42; 36; 43; 47; 64, 69, 68, 57, 55, 75, 92, 77 Other details: Finished 12th at 1973 Badminton Horse Trials; was judge at 1987 Burghley three-day event; has a Bachelor of Education (Oxford) degree in History & Biology, former teacher

Winning Jockey: James Hugh Culloty Born: December 18, 1973 Racing Weight: 10st Cheltenham Festival Wins: (5) ROYAL & SUNALLIANCE NOVICES’ CHASE (2000 Lord Noelie), TOTE CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP (2002, 2003, 2004 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

FOURTH RACE RESULT
4.00pm CHRISTIE’S FOXHUNTER CHASE

Class B, £40,000 Guaranteed. For 5yo+, which since December 31, 2001, and before March 1, 2004, have been placed first or second twice in a hunters’ chase in GB/IReland or have won two open point-to-points (i.e. Gentlemens, Ladies or Mixed Open Races) in GB/Ireland or have won one open point-to-point in GB /Ireland and have been placed first or second in a hunters’ chase, 3m 2 .5f. Weights: 5yo 11st 4lb, 6yo+ 12st. Allowances: mares 5lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £23,200; 2nd: £8,800; 3rd: £4,400; 4th: £2,000; 5th: £1,000; 6th: £600

1) EARTHMOVER (Roger Penny) Paul Nicholls 13-12-00 Miss Rilly Goschen 14/1
2) NEVER COMPROMISE (Dermot Desmond) Ted Walsh IRE 9-12-00 Mr Alan Crowe 9/2
3) COUNTY DERRY (G T Lever) Jeremy Scott p11-12-00 Mr Neil Harris 16/1
4) ONEMINUTETOFIVE (Brian Kilpatrick) David Pipe 7-12-00 Mr Gordon Elliott
5) SPOT THEDIFFERENCE (J P McManus) Enda Bolger IRE 11-12-00 Mr J T McNamara
6) IRBEE (Bunty Millard) Paul Nicholls b12-12-00 Miss Charlotte Tizzard
7) BRIGHT APPROACH (J H Burbidge) Ollie Bush 11-12-00 Miss Polly Gundry
8) TORDUFF EXPRESS (Two Plus Two) Paul Nicholls b13-12-00 Mr Nick Williams
9) MULLENSGROVE (David Lowe) David Lowe 10-12-00 Miss Sarah Phizacklea
10) POLAR CHAMP (Angie Malde) David Pipe v11-12-00 Mr Tom Malone
F) BOSUNS MATE (Martin Keighley) Martin Keighley b11-12-00 Mrs Belinda Keighley
F) GEORDIES EXPRESS (George Bewley) George Bewley 12-12-00 Mr Dale Jewett
F) ARCTIC TIMES (Trevor Hemmings) Eugene O'Sullivan IRE 8-12-00 Mr William O'Sullivan
F) ALWAYS ON THE LINE (Mrs M Merriam) Richard Barber 10-12-00 Mr Alex Merriam
F) OMNI COSMO TOUCH (Alan Potts) Joss Saville 8-12-00 Mr Niall Saville
PU) CHARLIE STRONG (Richard Kelvin-Hughes) Richard Kelvin-Hughes 11-12-00 Mr Alex Charles-Jones
PU) GAME GUNNER (Beverley Lewis) Beverley Lewis 12-12-00 Miss Charlotte Stucley
PU) QUETAL (Miss K J Kitching) Laura Young 11-12-00 Mr James Young
PU) RED BROOK LAD (Charles Fox) Charles Fox 9-12-00 Mr Nick Mitchell
PU) SHERIFF'S FRIEND (S P Tindall) Jenny Gordon 9-12-00 Mr Chris Gordon
PU) LORD ATTERBURY (David Johnson) David Pipe 8-12-00 Mr Ashley Farrant 3/1 Fav
PU) CASTLE WEIR (Castle Racing Club) Willie Mullins IRE 7-12-00 Mr Jamie Codd
PU) UPHAM LORD (Mrs E W Wilson) Peter Beaumont 11-12-00 Mr Guy Brewer
PU) WOODLANDS BEAU (Club Ten) Sally Alner b12-12-00 Mr Tom Dreaper

24 ran
Hunt: Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Breeding: ch g Mister Lord (USA) - Clare’s Crystal
Distances: 4, 12, 6, 14, 10, 14, 10, 5, 2
Tote Win: £11.30 Places: £2.90; £2.30; £4.10 Exacta: £48.70

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: (6) Irish Independent Arkle Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2003 Azertyuiop), Queen Mother Champion Chase (1999 Call Equiname, 2004 Azertyuiop), Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup (1999 See More Business), Christie’s Foxhunter Chase (2004 Earthmover) 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: Miss Amaryllis Beatrice (“Rilly”) Goschen Born: October 25, 1970 Cheltenham Festival Wins (1): Christie’s Foxhunter Chase (2004 Earthmover)

FIFTH RACE RESULT
4.35pm 132nd YEAR OF THE CHELTENHAM GRAND ANNUAL CHASE CHALLENGE CUP

Class A, Grade Three, £75,000 Guaranteed. For 5yo+, 2m .5f. 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 be incurred by horses originally handicpped at or above 11st 10lb and no penalty to increase a horse’s weight above 11st 10lb. Any horse rated above 155 shall initially be treated as having that rating and the highest weight alloted shall be 11st 10lb; subsequently the excess over 1555 in any rating shall be added to the weight allotted. Penalty Values: 1st: £43,500; 2nd: £16,500; 3rd: £8,250; 4th: £3,750; 5th: £1,875; 6th: £1,125

1) ST PIRRAN (Graham Roach) Paul Nicholls 9-10-01 Ruby Walsh 4/1 Fav
2) GROUND BALL (J P McManus) Charlie Swan IRE 7-10-05 David Casey 10/1
3) REIZIGER (D Jones & B Thomas) Philip Hobbs 8-9-11 Paddy Brennan (3) 33/1
4) NO VISIBILITY (David Moon) Robert Alner 9-10-00 Timmy Murphy 14/1
5) STRONG RUN (M D McGrath) Noel Meade IRE t11-11-02 Paul Carberry
6) OLD MARSH (Seasons & Paradise) Venetia Williams t8-9-11 Sam Thomas (3)
7) KORAKOR (John & Barbara Cotton) Ian Williams 10-10-00 Tony Dobbin
8) SANTENAY (The Hon Mrs Townshend) Paul Nicholls 6-10-08 Joe Tizzard
9) WAHIBA SANDS (David Johnson) Martin Pipe v11-10-10 Jim Culloty
10) PALARSHAN (Mrs A L Wood) Henry Daly 6-11-04 Richard Johnson
11) LATALOMNE (Alderclad Roofing/K M Everitt) Martin Pipe v10-10-06 Jamie Moore (3)
12) GOT ONE TOO (Sir Eric & Mary Anne Parker) Nicky Henderson 7-11-03 Mick Fitzgerald
14) NOSHINANNIKIN (M C V Racing) Sue Smith 10-10-00 Dominic Elsworth
BD) HIT AND RUN (Gerry Scanlon & Mrs J Kirk) Martin Pipe v9-10-00 Tom Scudamore
F) TANGO ROYAL (Brian Kilpatrick) Martin Pipe t8-10-03 Rodi Greene
F) JUNGLI (Mrs P Starkey) Paul Webber 11-10-00 Jimmy McCarthy
F) FADOUDAL DU COCHET (Sir Anthony O’Reilly) Arthur Moore IRE p11-10-08 Conor O'Dwyer
F) SIMPLY GIFTED (Steve Hammond) Jonjo O'Neill v1 9-10-01 Liam Cooper
F) SEEBALD (The Macca & Growler Partnership) Martin Pipe 9-11-10 Tony McCoy
PU) IBAL (Tony Hayward & Barry Fulton) Dina Smith 8-10-01 Leighton Aspell
PU) KANDJAR D'ALLIER (Let’s Live Racing) Milton Harris 6-10-03 Ben Hitchcott

21 ran
Non-Runners: Young Devereux (vet’s certificate), Colca Canyon (vet’s certificate), Tidour (vet’s certificate)
Breeder: T McKeever Breeding: b/br g Be My Native (USA) - Guess Twice
Distances: 2.5, 7, 9, 6, 1, 5, 2, 2.5, .5, 6, 16, 18, 2
Tote Win: £4.90 Places: £2.00; £2.00; £9.90; £3.70 Exacta: £40.90

Winning Trainer: Paul Nicholls Date of birth: 17/05/62 Date of first trainer’s licence: 01/11/91 Previous Occupation: professional jockey 1980-89. Rode 130 winners including Hennessy Gold Cup (1986 & 87), Irish Gold Cup (1988), Welsh Grand National (1987) Wins (1992/3--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: (7) Irish Independent Arkle Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2003 Azertyuiop), Queen Mother Champion Chase (1999 Call Equiname, 2004 Azertyuiop), Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup (1999 See More Business), Christie’s Foxhunter Chase (2004 Earthmover), Grand Annual (2004 St Pirran) 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 (5): Weatherbys Champion Bumper (1998 Alexander Banquet), Mildmay Of Flete (2002 Blowing Wind), Irish Independent Arkle (2003 Azertyuiop), Queen Mother Champion Chase (2004 Azertyuiop), Grand Annual (2004 St Pirran) 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.

SIXTH RACE RESULT

5.10pm CATCHCART CHALLENGE CUP CHASE
Class A, Grade Two, £80,000 Guaranteed. For 5yo+, which before April 28, 2003, had not won a chase. Weights: 5yo 10st 9lb; 6yo+ 11st. Penalties: a winner of a Class C chase 3lb, of a Class A or B chase 5lb, or before April 27, 2003 a winner of a Class B weight-for-age chase 6lb, or before April 27, 2003, a winner of a Class A weight-for-age chase 9lb. No horses qualifying for more than one penalty incur higher penalty only. Allowances: mares 7lb. Penalty Values: 1st: £46,400; 2nd: £17,600; 3rd: £8,800; 4th: £4,000; 5th: £2,000; 6th: £1,200

1) OUR ARMAGEDDON (Leslie Garrett) Richard Guest 7-11-05 Larry McGrath 9/1
2) IRIS ROYAL (Sir Robert Ogden) Nicky Henderson 8-11-05 Mick Fitzgerald 11/4
3) IMPEK (Jim Lewis) Henrietta Knight 8-11-09 Jim Culloty
4) HAZELJACK (Arthur Whiting) Arthur Whiting 9-11-00 James Davies
5) DON FERNANDO (Lucayan Stud) Martin Pipe 5-10-09 Tony McCoy
6) LA LANDIERE (Carol Skan) Richard Phillips 9-11-02 Richard Johnson 5/2 Fav
7) PENTHOUSE MINSTREL (Bob Andrews) Ron Hodges v10-11-00 Rodi Greene

7 ran Non-Runners: Barrow Drive (vet’s certificate), Calling Brave (vet’s certificate), Patricksnineteenth (vet’s certificate), Whereareyounow (vet’s certificate)
Breeder:L W Bowater & C Marchant Breeding: b g Sky Chase (NZ) - Monte d’Oro (NZ)
Distances: 2.5, 11, 23, 5, 16, .75
Tote Win: £10.30 Places: £2.70; £2.00 Exacta: £35.70

Winning Trainer: Richard Guest Date Of Birth: July 10, 1965 Apprenticeship: Worked as schoolboy with Jeremy Hindley & Michael Stoute for six years. Rode out Shergar. Cheltenham Festival Winners as a jockey: (2) SMURFIT CHAMPION HURDLE (1989 Beech Road), VINCENT O’BRIEN COUNTY HURDLE (1987 Neblin) Big Race Wins as a jockey: MARTELL GRAND NATIONAL (2001 Red Marauder) FIGHTING FIFTH HURDLE (Padre Mio 1995, Beech Road 1990), PETER MARSH CHASE (1989 Bishops Yarn, 2002 Red Striker), WELSH CHAMPION HURDLE (Beech Road 1990), BECHER CHASE (Into The Red 1994), FIRST NATIONAL BANK GOLD CUP (1998 Red Marauder) General: Retired from race-riding after being found guilty of breaching the non triers’ rule (Rule 151) at Perth in April, 1998 - his third such offence that season - but came back to saddle in the 1998/99 season. Former assistant trainer to Norman Mason, who he assisted in becoming the leading permit-holder for five seasons, before taking over the licence from his boss in February, 2003. First winner as a trainer: Mr Bossman (Portlane Handicap Chase, Kempton Park, February 22, 2003) Cheltenham Festival Wins as a trainer (1): Cathcart Chase (2004 Our Armageddon) Big Race Wins as a trainer: Skybet Chase (2004 Thyneandtyneagain), Eider Chase (2004 Thyneandtyneagain)

Winning Jockey: Larry McGrath Winners 2002/03: 13 First success as an amateur: After Grace (Wilstrop Amateur Riders’ Handicap Hurdle, Wetherby, April 5, 1999) First success as a professional: Bolton Barrie (Harraby Novices’ Handicap Hurdle, Carlisle, October 10, 2003) Cheltenham Festival Wins (1): Catchcart Chase (2004 Our Armageddon)


SEVENTH RACE RESULT
5.45pm VINCENT O’BRIEN COUNTY HANDICAP HURDLE

Class A, Grade Three, £65,000 Guaranteed. For 5yo+, which before February 15, have been placed first, secdond or third in a hurdle, 2m 1f. 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: £37,700; 2nd: £14,300; 3rd: £7,150; 4th: £3,250; 5th: £1,625; 6th: £975

1) SPORAZENE (Ged Mason & David Jackson) Paul Nicholls 5-10-13 Ruby Walsh 7/1 Jt Fav
2) HAWADETH (Nicky Viney) Victor Dartnall p9-9-07 Mr Tom Malone (7) 50/1
3) COPELAND (Professor David & Heather Silk) Martin Pipe v9-10-01 Jamie Moore (3) 25/1
4) BALAPOUR (Rita Shah) Oliver Brady IRE t6-10-00 Carl Llewellyn 12/1
5) HARCHIBALD (Des Sharkey) Noel Meade IRE 5-10-00 Paul Carberry 7/1 Jt Fav
6) BENBYAS (The Irish Sun) Declan Carroll 7-10-01 Paddy Brennan (3)
7) ADAMANT APPROACH (Greenstar Syndicate) Willie Mullins IRE 10-10-02 David Casey
8) GREENHOPE (Lynn & Giles Wilson, Martin Landau) Nicky Henderson 6-9-11 Andrew Tinkler (3)
9) GRAVE DOUBTS (Bill Davies & Bernard Tottle) Kevin Bishop t8-10-00 Rodi Greene
10) MAN O'MYSTERY (Bjorn Nielsen) Paul Webber 7-10-00 Tom Doyle
11) NEWHALL (T McPharland) Francis Flood IRE 6-10-00 Francis Flood
12) THROUGH THE RYE (Nice To See You Racing) Alan Swinbank 8-10-00 Jim Crowley
13) REGAL EXIT (Brian Buckley) Nicky Henderson 8-10-00 Paul Flynn
14) SCORNED (Kingsclere Stud) Andrew Balding 9-10-00 Jimmy McCarthy
15) IN CONTRAST (Tony Staple) Philip Hobbs 8-10-12 Richard Johnson
16) IDAHO D'OX (The Dionysius Partnership) Martin Pipe 5-9-09 Joey Elliott (5)
17) BARTON NIC (Proverbial Optimists) Paul Keane b11-10-00 Graham Lee
18) LE PASSING (The Hon Mrs & J R Townshend) Paul Nicholls 5-10-00 Joe Tizzard
19) RATHGAR BEAU (One-O-Eight Racing Club) Eamon Sheehy IRE 8-10-00 Shay Barry
20) LILIUM DE COTTE (J P McManus) Nicky Henderson 5-10-00 Timmy Murphy
21) BOUND (Hebomapa) Lucy Wadham 6-10-00 Leighton Aspell
22) DEMI BEAU (Hugh Villiers) Charlie Mann 6-10-00 Noel Fehily
23) DOWNPOUR (Favourites Racing) Ian Williams 6-10-00 David Dennis

23 ran Non-Runners: Rigmarole (vet’s certificate), Limerick Boy (vet’s certificate), Monkerhostin (vet’s certificate), The Last Cast (ground), Italian Counsel (vet’s certificate), Albuhera (vet’s certificate), Arch Stanton (vet’s certificate)
Breeder: Haras Du Mezeray Breeding: gr g Cozzene (USA) - Sporades (USA)
Distances: .5, 1.5, nk, nk, 8, 6, sh, 1.75, 1.5, 1.75, 1.25, .5, 2, 1.5, 1.75, 4, 3, 11, 4, 5, 1, 3.5
Tote Win: £7.10 Places: £2.80; £10.60; £4.90; £3.40 Exacta: £601.00

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: (8) Irish Independent Arkle Novices’ Chase (1999 Flagship Uberalles, 2003 Azertyuiop), Queen Mother Champion Chase (1999 Call Equiname, 2004 Azertyuiop), Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup (1999 See More Business), Christie’s Foxhunter Chase (2004 Earthmover), Grand Annual (2004 St Pirran), County Hurdle (2004 Sporazene) 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 (6): Weatherbys Champion Bumper (1998 Alexander Banquet), Mildmay Of Flete (2002 Blowing Wind), Irish Independent Arkle (2003 Azertyuiop), Queen Mother Champion Chase (2004 Azertyuiop), Grand Annual (2004 St Pirran), County Hurdle (2004 Sporazene) 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.

DAILY TELEGRAPH AWARD FOR LEADING TRAINER - FINAL STANDINGS

Trainer 1st 2nd 3rd
Paul Nicholls 4 - 3
Jonjo O’Neill 3 1 3
Martin Pipe 2 2 3
Philip Hobbs 2 2 2
Nigel Twiston-Davies 1 1 -
Alan King 1 - 1
Henrietta Knight 1 - 1
Tommy Cooper IRE 1 - -
Richard Guest 1 - -
Dessie Hughes IRE 1 - -
Gary Moore 1 - -
Willie Mullins IRE 1 - -
Colm Murphy IRE 1 - -
Nicky Henderson - 1 2
Ted Walsh IRE - 1 1
Robert Alner - 1 -
Victor Dartnall - 1 -
Francois Doumen FR - 1 -
Francis Flood IRE - 1 -
Howard Johnson - 1 -
Charlie Mann - 1 -
Mouse Morris IRE - 1 -
Richard Price - 1 -
Sue Smith - 1 -
Charlie Swan IRE - 1 -
Tom Taaffe IRE - 1 -
Venetia Williams - 1 -
Albert Ennis - - 1
Noel Meade IRE - - 1
Jeremy Scott - - 1
David Wachman IRE - - 1

Henrietta Knight, trainer of triple Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate, received the Guinness/Daily Telegraph Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Festival on Tuesday

DAILY TELEGRAPH AWARD FOR LEADING JOCKEY - FINAL STANDINGS

Trainer 1st 2nd 3rd
Ruby Walsh 3 - 3
Richard Johnson 2 2 1
Jim Culloty 2 - 1
Timmy Murphy 2 - -
Barry Geraghty 1 2 -
Tony McCoy 1 1 2
David Casey 1 1 -
Carl Llewellyn 1 1 -
Conor O’Dwyer 1 1 -
Robert Thornton 1 - 1
Barry Cash 1 - -
Mr Darren Edwards 1 - -
Miss Rilly Goschen 1 - -
Larry McGrath 1 - -
Mr Robert Widger 1 - -
Mick Fitzgerald - 1 1
Mr Paul Cashman - 1 -
Mr Alan Crowe - 1 -
Tony Dobbin - 1 -
Thierry Doumen - 1 -
Dominic Elsworth - 1 -
Mr Ashley Farrant - 1 -
Fran Flood - 1 -
Wayne Hutchinson - 1 -
Graham Lee - 1 -
Mr Tom Malone - 1 -
Andrew Thornton - 1 -
Mr J P Magnier - - 2
Paddy Brennan - - 1
Paul Carberry - - 1
Liam Cooper - - 1
Mr Tom Greenall - - 1
Mr Neil Harris - - 1
Mr J T McNamara - - 1
Jamie Moore - - 1
Andrew Tinkler - - 1
Joe Tizzard - - 1

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